Main Entry: ¹inch

Pronunciation: \ˈinch\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ynce, from Latin uncia — more at ounce

Date: before 12th century

1 : a unit of length equal to ¹⁄₃₆ yard — see weight table
2 : a small amount, distance, or degree <is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches — Milton Friedman>
3 plural : stature, height
4 a : a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch b : a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer
5 : a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment —usually used in the phrase give an inch

— every inch : to the utmost degree <looks every inch a winner>

— inch by inch : very gradually or slowly

— within an inch of : almost to the point of <came within an inch of succeeding>