main — Defs

01 n. A hand or match at dice.

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.]

02 n. Strength; force; might; violent effort.

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.” — Spenser.
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.” — Bacon.
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.” — Dryden.

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.

03 a. Very or extremely strong.

1.
Very or extremely strong.[Obs.]
“That current with main fury ran.” — Daniel.
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.” — Tillotson.
5.
Important; necessary.[Obs.]
“That which thou aright Believest so main to our success, I bring.” — Milton.

“That Maine which by main force Warwick did win.” — Shak.

Syn. Principal; chief; leading; cardinal; capital.

04 adv. Very; extremely; as, main heavy.