[reach] vb [ME rechen, fr. OE raecan; akin to OHG reichen to reach, Lith raizytis to stretch oneself] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to stretch out: extend b: thrust
2. a: to touch or grasp by extending a part of the body (as a hand) or an object "couldn't ~ the apple" b: to pick up and draw toward one: take c (1): to extend to "the shadow ~ed the wall" (2): to get up to or as far as: come to "your letter ~ed me yesterday" "his voice ~ed the last rows" "they hoped to ~ an agreement" d (1): encompass (2): to make an impression on (3): to communicate with
3: to hand over: pass ~ vi 1 a: to make a stretch with or as if with one's hand b: to strain after something
2. a: project, extend "his land ~es to the river" b: to arrive at or come to something "as far as the eye could ~"
3: to sail on a reach -- reach.able adj -- reach.er n
[2]reach n (1536) 1: a continuous stretch or expanse; esp: a straight portion of a stream or river
2. a (1): the action or an act of reaching (2): an individual part of a progression or journey b (1): a reachable distance "within ~" (2): ability to reach "had a long ~" c: an extent or range esp. of knowledge or comprehension
3: a bearing shaft or coupling pole; esp: the rod joining the hind axle to the forward bolster of a wagon
4: the tack sailed by a ship with the wind coming just forward of the beam or with the wind directly abeam or abaft the beam
5: echelon, level--usu. used in pl. "the higher ~es of academic life"