main /(mān)/

main

n.
  1. A hand or match at dice.
  2. A stake played for at dice. [Obs.]
  3. The largest throw in a match at dice; a throw at dice within given limits, as in the game of hazard.
  4. A match at cockfighting.
  5. A main-hamper. [Obs.]

Main

n.
  1. Strength; force; might; violent effort. [Obs., except in certain phrases.]
    There were in this battle of most might and main.
    — R. of Gl.
    He 'gan advance, With huge force, and with importable main.
  2. The chief or principal part; the main or most important thing. [Obs., except in special uses.]
    Resolved to rest upon the title of Lancaster as the main, and to use the other two . . . but as supporters.
  3. The great sea, as distinguished from an arm, bay, etc. ; the high sea; the ocean. (Engin.)
    With might and main they chased the murderous fox.

Phrases & Compounds
Forcing main
the delivery pipe of a pump.
For the main
for the most part; in the greatest part.
With might and main
with all one's strength; with violent effort.

Main

a.
  1. Very or extremely strong. [Obs.]
    That current with main fury ran.
  2. Vast; huge. [Obs.]
  3. Unqualified; absolute; entire; sheer. [Obs.]
  4. Principal; chief; first in size, rank, importance, etc.; as, the main reason to go; the main proponent.
    Our main interest is to be happy as we can.
  5. Important; necessary. [Obs.]
    That which thou aright Believest so main to our success, I bring.
    That Maine which by main force Warwick did win.

Main

adv.
  1. Very; extremely; as, main heavy. [Obs. or Low]