inch

¹inch

noun \ˈinch\

Definition of INCH

1

: a unit of length equal to ¹⁄₃₆ yard — see weight table

2

: a small amount, distance, or degree <is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches — Milton Friedman>

3

plural : stature, height

4

a : a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch b : a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer

5

: a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment —usually used in the phrase give an inch

— every inch

: to the utmost degree <looks every inch a winner>

— inch by inch

: very gradually or slowly

— within an inch of

: almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>

Origin of INCH

Middle English, from Old English ynce, from Latin uncia — more at ounce

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with INCH

chinch, cinch, clinch, finch, flinch, grinch, lynch, Minch, pinch, squinch, winch