n. & adj.
n. 1 one more than eight, or one less than ten; the sum of five units and four units. 2 a symbol for this (9, ix, IX). 3 a size etc. denoted by nine. 4 a set or team of nine individuals. 5 the time of nine o'clock (is it nine yet?). 6 a card with nine pips. 7 (the Nine) the nine muses.
adj. that amount to nine. dressed up to the nines dressed very elaborately. nine days' wonder a person or thing that is briefly famous. nine times out of ten nearly always. nine to five a designation of typical office hours.
[ OE nigon f. Gmc ]