[stretch] vb [ME strecchen, fr. OE streccan; akin to OHG strecchan to stretch, OE straec firm, severe] vt (bef. 12c) 1: to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position
2: to reach out: extend "~ed out her arms"
3: to extend in length "~ed his neck to see what was going on"
4: to fell with or as if with a blow
5: to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled esp. in torture
6: to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position 7: to pull taut "canvas ~ed on a frame"
8. a: to enlarge or distend esp. by force b: to extend or expand as if by physical force "~ one's mind with a good book" c: strain "~ed his already thin patience" 9: to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space) "~ a wire between two posts"
10. a: to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits "the rules can be ~ed this once" b: to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function "~ing a dollar" 11: to extend (a hit) to an extra base usu. by fast or daring running "~ a single into a double" ~ vi 1 a: to become extended in length or breadth or both: spread "broad plains ~ing to the sea" b: to extend over a continuous period
2: to become extended without breaking 3 a: to extend one's body or limbs b: to lie down at full length -- stretch.abil.i.ty n -- stretch.able adj -- stretchy adj -- stretch a point : to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession -- stretch one's legs 1: to extend the legs
2: to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting
[2]stretch n (1541) 1 a: an exercise of something (as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits b: an extension of the scope or application of something "a ~ of language"
2: the extent to which something may be stretched
3: the act of stretching: the state of being stretched
4. a: an extent in length or area "a ~ of woods" b: a continuous period of time "can write for eight hours at a ~"
5: a walk to relieve fatigue
6: a term of imprisonment
7. a: either of the straight sides of a racecourse; esp: homestretch b: a final stage 8: the capacity for being stretched: elasticity 9: stretch limo [3]stretch adj (1954): easily stretched: elastic "a ~ wig"