■ adjective
1》 extending uniformly in one direction only; without a curve or bend.
↘(of an arch) flat-topped.
2》 properly positioned so as to be level, upright, or symmetrical.
↘in proper order or condition.
3》 not evasive; honest.
↘(of a choice) simple.
↘(of thinking) clear and logical.
4》 in continuous succession.
5》 (of an alcoholic drink) undiluted.
6》 (of drama) serious as opposed to comic or musical.
7》 informal conventional or respectable.
8》 informal heterosexual.
■ adverb
1》 in a ~ line; directly.
↘without delay; immediately.
2》 in a ~ manner.
■ noun
1》 the ~ part of something, especially the concluding stretch of a racecourse.
↘ archaic a ~ form or position.
2》 Poker a continuous sequence of five cards.
3》 informal a conventional person.
4》 informal a heterosexual.
Phrases
go ~ live an honest life after being a criminal.
the ~ and narrow the honest and morally acceptable way of living.
~ away immediately.
a ~ fight Brit. a contest between just two opponents.
~ from the shoulder
1》 dated (of a blow) swift and well delivered.
2》 (of words) frank or direct.
~ off (or out ) informal without hesitation or deliberation.
~ up informal
1》 Brit. honestly.
2》 chiefly N. Amer. undiluted or unadulterated.
Derivatives
~ish adjective
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME: archaic past participle of stretch .