STRETCH

I. verb Etymology: Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan; akin to Old High German strecchan to ~, Old English stræc firm, severe Date: before 12th century transitive verb to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position, to reach out ; extend , to extend in length , to fell with or as if with a blow, to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture, to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position, to pull taut , 8. to enlarge or distend especially by force, to extend or expand as if by physical force , strain , to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space) , 10. to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits , to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function , to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running , intransitive verb 1. to become extended in length or breadth or both ; spread , to extend over a continuous period , to become extended without breaking, 3. to extend one's body or limbs , to lie down at full length, ~ability noun ~able adjective ~y adjective II. noun Date: 1541 1. an exercise of something (as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits , an extension of the scope or application of something , the extent to which something may be ~ed, 3. the act of ~ing ; the state of being ~ed , the position of a pitcher standing sideways to home plate so as to keep a runner close to a base , 4. an extent in length or area , a continuous period of time , a walk to relieve fatigue, a term of imprisonment , 7. either of the straight sides of a racecourse, a final stage (as of a contest or season) , the capacity for being ~ed ; elasticity , a ~ limousine, III. adjective Date: 1954 easily ~ed ; elastic , longer than the standard size