▪ I. ‖ ˈmaxima Obs.
[L., fem. sing. of maximus greatest, used ellipt. for maxima propositio, nota.]
1. = maxim n.1
| 1565 Jewel Repl. Harding xxii. 619 This maie stande wel for a Maxima, as one of the greatest truethes of M. Hardinges whole booke. 1584 Cogan Haven Health 195 This Maxima is generally to be observed: Sani similes [etc.]. 1594 Parsons Confer. Success. ii. i. 4 The bishop alleageth many proofes that ther is no such maxima in the common lawes of Ingland. |
2. Mus. = large C. 4, maxim n.3
| 1782 Burney Hist. Mus. II. 186, 453. 1818 Busby Gram. Mus. 65 Former musicians used the Maxima, or Large. |
▪ II. maxima
pl. of maximum a. and n.