counties at large

Noun

county at large (plural counties at large)

1. The whole of a county, as distinct from some portion of it
   • ... it shall be lawful for the grand jury of such county by presentment to raise .... all such sum or sums of money as shall appear ... to be necessary to fence the land on each side of such roads, upon the county at large, or upon the barony or baronies through which such new road is to be made...1765 Roads Act 1765 (5 Geo. 3 c.14 (Ir.)) s.7
2. The portion of a county not part of subordinate jurisdictions such as boroughs
   • But let it be recollected, that it was the case of an information for intrusion into the lands of the crown, which ex vi termini makes it probable, that the premises lay in a county at large, and not in a town; and therefore, that the case regarded a county Grand Jury. But that is put out of all...1811, Thomas Kirwan, William Ridgeway, Edward Sheridan, Great Britain Court of King's Bench, A report of the proceedings in the cases of Thomas Kirwan ... and Edward Sheridan ...: for misdemeanors...
3. A county which is not a county corporate
   • ...it shall be lawful for the collector of the district, upon the production of a like certificate of any two sureties of the peace, if within a county of a city, or county of a town, and if within a county at large, upon the production of a like certificate of any two justices of the peace...1797 37 Geo.3 c.45 (Ir.) s.15