v. & n.
v.tr. 1 go for and bring back (a person or thing) (fetch a doctor). 2 be sold for; realize (a price) (fetched $10). 3 cause (blood, tears, etc.) to flow. 4 draw (breath), heave (a sigh). 5 colloq. give (a blow, slap, etc.) (usu. with recipient stated : fetched him a slap on the face). 6 excite the emotions of, delight or irritate.
n. 1 an act of fetching. 2 a dodge or trick. 3 Naut. a the distance travelled by wind or waves across open water. b the distance a vessel must sail to reach open water. fetch and carry run backwards and forwards with things, be a mere servant. fetch up colloq. 1 arrive, come to rest. 2 vomit. fetcher n.
[ OE fecc(e)an var. of fetian, prob. rel. to a Gmc root = grasp ]