v. & n.
v. 1 tr. obtain or secure (usu. something desired or favourable) (gain an advantage; gain recognition). 2 tr. acquire (a sum) as profits or as a result of changed conditions; earn. 3 tr. obtain as an increment or addition (gain momentum; gain weight). 4 tr. a win (a victory). b reclaim (land from the sea). 5 intr. (foll. by in) make a specified advance or improvement (gained in stature). 6 intr. & tr. (of a clock etc.) become fast, or be fast by (a specified amount of time). 7 intr. (often foll. by on, upon) come closer to a person or thing pursued. 8 tr. a bring over to one's interest or views. b (foll. by over) win by persuasion etc. 9 tr. reach or arrive at (a desired place).
n. 1 something gained, achieved, etc. 2 an increase of possessions etc.; a profit, advance, or improvement. 3 the acquisition of wealth. 4 (in pl.) sums of money acquired by trade etc., emoluments, winnings. 5 an increase in amount. 6 Electronics a the factor by which power etc. is increased. b the logarithm of this. gain ground see GROUND(1). gain time improve one's chances by causing or accepting delay. gainable adj. gainer n. gainings n.pl.
[ OF gaigner, gaaignier to till, acquire, ult. f. Gmc ]