'To reach after' definitions:

Definition of 'To reach after'

From: GCIDE
  • Reach \Reach\, v. i.
  • 1. To stretch out the hand. [1913 Webster]
  • Goddess humane, reach, then, and freely taste! --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To strain after something; to make efforts. [1913 Webster]
  • Reaching above our nature does no good. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To extend in dimension, time, amount, action, influence, etc., so as to touch, attain to, or be equal to, something. [1913 Webster]
  • And behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. --Gen. xxviii. 12. [1913 Webster]
  • The new world reaches quite across the torrid zone. --Boyle. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Naut.) To sail on the wind, as from one point of tacking to another, or with the wind nearly abeam. [1913 Webster]
  • To reach after or To reach for or To reach at, to make efforts to attain to or obtain. [1913 Webster]
  • He would be in the posture of the mind reaching after a positive idea of infinity. --Locke. [1913 Webster]