INCH

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). øevery 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. [OE ynce f. L uncia twelfth part: cf. OUNCE(1)]