Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Inch?

\Inch\, n. [Gael. inis.] An island; -- often used in the names of small islands off the coast of Scotland, as in Inchcolm, Inchkeith, etc. [Scot.]
\Inch\, n. [OE. inche, unche, AS. ynce, L. uncia the twelfth part, inch, ounce. See {Ounce} a weight.] 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. Note: 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. Beldame, I think we watched you at an inch. --Shak. {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\, v. 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 inches out my master. --Dryden. 2. To deal out by inches; to give sparingly. [R.]
\Inch\, v. i. To advance or retire by inches or small degrees; to move slowly. With slow paces measures back the field, And inches to the walls. --Dryden.
\Inch\, a. Measurement 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.