Extremity

Ex*trem"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Extremities(?). [L. extremitas: cf. F. extrémité.] 1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country.

They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of Ethiopia.
Arbuthnot.

2. (Zoöl.) One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a limb; a leg or an arm of man.

3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or intense form. "The extremity of bodily pain." Ray.

4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering; greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity.

Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a compulsion shall here be set in view.
Milton.

Upon mere extremity he summoned this last Parliament.
Milton.

Syn. -- Verge; border; extreme; end; termination.