Main Entry: ¹main

Pronunciation: \ˈmān\

Function: noun

Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English, from Old English mǣgen; akin to Old High German magan strength, Old English magan to be able; in other senses, from ²main or by shortening — more at may

Date: before 12th century

1 : physical strength : force —used in the phrase with might and main
2 a : mainland b : high sea
3 : the chief part : essential point <they are in the main well-trained>
4 : a pipe, duct, or circuit which carries the combined flow of tributary branches of a utility system
5 a : mainmast b : mainsail