Inch /(ĭnch)/

Inch

An island; -- often used in the names of small islands off the coast of Scotland, as in Inchcolm, Inchkeith, etc. [Scot.]

A measure of length, the twelfth part of a foot, commonly subdivided into halves, quarters, eights, sixteenths, etc., as among mechanics. It was also formerly divided into twelve parts, called lines, and originally into three parts, called barleycorns, its length supposed to have been determined from three grains of barley placed end to end lengthwise. It is sometimes denoted by a double prime (″); as, 6′ 3″ denoting 6 feet 3 inches.
A small distance or degree, whether of time or space; hence, a critical moment; also used metaphorically of minor concessins in bargaining; as, he won't give an inch; give him an inch and he'll take a mile.
Beldame, I think we watched you at an inch.
— Shak.

By inches: by slow degrees, gradually.
Inch of candle: See under Candle.
Inches of pressure: usually, the pressure indicated by so many inches of a mercury column, as on a steam gauge.
Inch of water: See under Water.
Miner's inch: a unit for the measurement of water. See Inch of water, under Water.

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Inched; p. pr. & vb. n. Inching

To drive by inches, or small degrees. [R.]
He gets too far into the soldier's grace And inches out my master.
— Dryden.
To deal out by inches; to give sparingly. [R.]

v. i.

To advance or retire by inches or small degrees; to move slowly; as, to inch forward.
With slow paces measures back the field, And inches to the walls.
— Dryden.

Measuring an inch in any dimension, whether length, breadth, or thickness; -- used in composition; as, a two-inch cable; a four-inch plank.