Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Inch
Inch
(ĭnch)
, Noun.
[Gael.
inis
.] An island; – often used in the names of small islands off the coast of Scotland,
as in
Inch
colm, Inch
keith, etc. [Scot.]
Inch
,Noun.
1.
A measure of length, the twelfth part of a foot, commonly subdivided into halves, quarters, eights, sixteenths, etc., as among mechanics. It was also formerly divided into twelve parts, called lines, and originally into three parts, called barleycorns, its length supposed to have been determined from three grains of barley placed end to end lengthwise. It is also sometimes called a prime (´), composed of twelve seconds (´´), as in the duodecimal system of arithmetic.
12 seconds (´´) make 1
inch
or prime. 12 inches
or primes (´) make 1 foot. B. Greenleaf.
☞ The meter, the accepted scientific standard of length, equals 39.37 inches; the inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. See
Metric system
, and Meter
. 2.
A small distance or degree, whether of time or space; hence, a critical moment; also used metaphorically of minor concessins in bargaining;
as, he won’t give an
. inch
; give him an inch
and he'll take a mileBeldame, I think we watched you at an
inch
. Shakespeare
By inches
, by slow degrees, gradually.
– Inch of candle
. See under
– Candle
. Inches of pressure
, usually, the pressure indicated by so many inches of a mercury column, as on a steam gauge.
– Inch of water
. See under
– Water
. Miner's inch
, (Hydraulic Mining)
, a unit for the measurement of water. See
Inch of water
, under Water
.Inch
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Inched
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Inching
.] 1.
To drive by inches, or small degrees.
[R.]
He gets too far into the soldier's grace
And
And
inches
out my master. Dryden.
2.
To deal out by inches; to give sparingly.
[R.]
Inch
,Verb.
I.
To advance or retire by inches or small degrees; to move slowly;
as, to
. inch
forwardWith slow paces measures back the field,
And
And
inches
to the walls. Dryden.
Inch
,Adj.
Measuring an inch in any dimension, whether length, breadth, or thickness; – used in composition;
as, a two-
inch
cable; a four-inch
plank.Inch stuff
, boards, etc., sawed one inch thick.
Webster 1828 Edition
Inch
INCH
,Noun.
1.
A lineal measure in Great Britain and the United States, being the twelfth part of a foot,and equal to the length of three barley corns.2.
Proverbially, a small quantity or degree; as, to die by inches, to gain ground by inches.3.
A precise point of time. Beldame, I think, we watch'd you at an inch. [Unusual.]
INCH
,Verb.
T.
1.
To deal out by inches; to give sparingly. [Little used.]INCH
,Verb.
I.
Inched, is added to words of number; as four-inched. But in American the common practice is to add only inch; as a seven-inch cable.