n. 1 linear measure orh, of a foot (2.54 cm). 2 (as a unit of rainfall) 1 inch depth of water. 3 (as a unit of mapscale) so many inches representing 1 mile. 4 small amount (usu. with neg.: would not yield an inch). v. move gradually. o every inch entirely (looked every inch a queen). within an inch of almost to the point of. [Old English from Latin uncia OUNCE1]
