"Long" is a word in LAW AND LEGAL, ENGLISH

In various compound legal terms (see infra) this word carries a meaning not essentially different from its signification in the vernacular

To a great extent in apace; as, a long drawn out line.

A note formerly used in music, one half the length of a
large, twice that of a breve.

Through the whole extent or duration.

The longest dimension; the greatest extent; -- in the phrase,
the long and the short of it, that is, the sum and substance of it.

Through an extent of time, more or less; -- only in
question; as, how long will you be gone?

Prolonged, or relatively more prolonged, in utterance;
-- said of vowels and syllables. See Short, a., 13, and Guide to
Pronunciation, // 22, 30.

Drawn out in a line, or in the direction of length;
protracted; extended; as, a long line; -- opposed to short, and
distinguished from broad or wide.

Drawn out or extended in time; continued through a
considerable tine, or to a great length; as, a long series of events; a
long debate; a long drama; a long history; a long book.

Far-reaching; extensive.

To feel a strong or morbid desire or craving; to wish for
something with eagerness; -- followed by an infinitive, or by after or
for.

To a great extent in time; during a long time.

Slow in passing; causing weariness by length or
duration; lingering; as, long hours of watching.

To belong; -- used with to, unto, or for.

Extended to any specified measure; of a specified
length; as, a span long; a yard long; a mile long, that is, extended to
the measure of a mile, etc.

• 48 years in GAY LINGO

Occurring or coming after an extended interval; distant
in time; far away.

A long sound, syllable, or vowel.

By means of; by the fault of; because of.

At a point of duration far distant, either prior or
posterior; as, not long before; not long after; long before the
foundation of Rome; long after the Conquest.