Dictionary Information: Definition Limitation - Description Meaning Thesaurus

Limitation (Lim`i*ta"tion) (?), n.
[L. limitatio: cf. F. Limitation. See Limit, v. t.]

1. The act of limiting; the state or condition of being limited; as, the limitation of his authority was approved by the council. "They had no right to mistake the limitation . . . of their own faculties, for an inherent limitation of the possible modes of existence in the universe." J. S. Mill.
2. That which limits; a restriction; a qualification; a restraining condition, defining circumstance, or qualifying conception; as, limitations of thought. "The cause of error is ignorance what restraints and limitations all principles have in regard of the matter whereunto they are applicable." Hooker.
3. A certain precinct within which friars were allowed to beg, or exercise their functions; also, the time during which they were permitted to exercise their functions in such a district. Chaucer. Latimer.
4. A limited time within or during which something is to be done. "You have stood your limitation, and the tribunes Endue you with the people's voice." Shak.
5. (Law) (a) A certain period limited by statute after which the claimant shall not enforce his claims by suit. (b) A settling of an estate or property by specific rules. (c) A restriction of power; as, a constitutional limitation. Wharton. Bouvier.

-- To know one's own limitations, to know the reach and limits of one's abilities. A. R. Wallace.