1. Principal; chief; that which has most power in producing an effect, or which is mostly regarded in prospect; as the main branch or tributary stream of a river; the main timbers of an edifice; a main design; a main object.
Our main interest is to be as happy as we can, and as long as possible.
2. Mighty; vast; as the main abyss.
3. Important; powerful.
This young prince, with a train of young noblemen and gentlemen, not with any main army, came over to take possession of his patrimony.
MAIN, n. Strength; force; violent effort; as in the phrase, ""with might and main.""
1. The gross; the bulk; the greater part.
The main of them may be reduced to language and an improvement in wisdom--
2. The ocean; the great sea, as distinguished from rivers, bays, sounds and the like.
He fell, and struggling in the main--
3. The continent, as distinguished from an isle. We arrived at Nantucket on Saturday, but did not reach the main till Monday. In this use of the word, land is omitted; main for main land.
4. A hamper.
5. A course; a duct.
For the main, in the main, for the most part; in the greatest part.
MAIN, n. [L. manus, hand.] A hand at dice. We throw a merry main.
And lucky mains make people wise. [Not used.]
1. A match at cock fighting.
