n.
Pronunciation: ' m ā n
Function: noun
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English, from Old English m ǣ gen; akin to Old High German magan strength, Old English magan to be able; in other senses, from 2 main or by shortening ― more at MAY
Date: before 12th century
1 : physical strength : FORCE ― used in the phrase with might and main
2 a : MAINLAND b : HIGH SEA
3 : the chief part : essential point <they are in the main well-trained>
4 : a pipe, duct, or circuit which carries the combined flow of tributary branches of a utility system
5 a : MAINMAST b : MAINSAIL