Distance

n. [Lat. distantia, Fr. distance, Pr., Sp., & Pg. distancia, It. distanza, distanza. See DIS-TANT.] 1. An interval or space between two objects; the length of the shortest line which intervenes between two things that are separate. Every particle attracts every other with a force . . . inversely proportioned to the square of the distance. Newton. 2. Remoteness of place; a remote place; — often with at. “Easily managed from a distance.” Irving. He waits at distance till he hears from Cato. Addison. 3. (Horse-racing.) A length of 240 yards from the winning-post, at which point is placed the distance-post. If any horse has not reached this distance-post before the first horse in that heat has reached the winning-post, such horse is distanced, and disqualified for running again during that race. Wright. The horse that ran the whole field out of distance. L'Estrange.

4. (Mil.) Space, as between bodies of troops, measured from front to rear; — contrasted with interval, which is measured from right to left.
5. Interval of time; any definite period, past or future, between two eras or events. “Ten years' distance between one and the other.” Prior.
6. The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.

I hope your modesty Will know what distance to the crown is due. Dryden. 'Tis by respect and distance that authority is upheld. Atterbury. 7. Contrariety; opposition; rivalry. So is he mine [enemy], and in such bloody distance. Shak. 8. Alienation of heart; reserve; aversion. On the part of Heaven, Now alienated, distance and distaste. Milton.

9. Remoteness in succession or relation; as, the distance between a descendant and his ancestor.
10. (Mus.) The interval between two disjunctive notes; as, the distance of a fourth or seventh.

Angular distance, the angle of separation between the directions in which two bodies are seen; apparent distance.