1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a unit of linear measure equal to one-twelfth of a foot (2.54 cm).
2 a (as a unit of rainfall) a quantity that would cover a horizontal surface to a depth of 1 inch. b (of atmospheric or other pressure) an amount that balances the weight of a column of mercury 1 inch high.
3 (as a unit of map-scale) so many inches representing 1 mile on the ground (a 4-inch map).
4 a small amount (usu. with neg.: would not yield an inch).
--v.tr. & intr. move gradually in a specified way (inched forward).
Phrases and idioms:
every inch
1. entirely (looked every inch a queen).
2 the whole distance or area (combed every inch of the garden). give a person an inch and he or she will take a mile (or orig. an ell) a person once conceded to will demand much. inch by inch gradually; bit by bit. within an inch of almost to the point of.
Etymology: OE ynce f. L uncia twelfth part: cf. OUNCE(1) 2. n. esp. Sc. a small island (esp. in place-names).
Etymology: ME f. Gael. innis