'With might and main' definitions:
Definition of 'With might and main'
From: GCIDE
- Main \Main\, n. [AS. m[ae]gen strength, power, force; akin to OHG. magan, Icel. megin, and to E. may, v. [root]103. See May, v.]
- 1. Strength; force; might; violent effort. [Obs., except in certain phrases.] [1913 Webster]
- There were in this battle of most might and main. --R. of Gl. [1913 Webster]
- He 'gan advance, With huge force, and with importable main. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
- 2. The chief or principal part; the main or most important thing. [Obs., except in special uses.] [1913 Webster]
- Resolved to rest upon the title of Lancaster as the main, and to use the other two . . . but as supporters. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
- 3. Specifically: (a) The great sea, as distinguished from an arm, bay, etc.; the high sea; the ocean. "Struggling in the main." --Dryden. (b) The continent, as distinguished from an island; the mainland. "Invaded the main of Spain." --Bacon. (c) principal duct or pipe, as distinguished from lesser ones; esp. (Engin.), a principal pipe leading to or from a reservoir; as, a fire main. [1913 Webster]
- Forcing main, the delivery pipe of a pump.
- For the main, or In the main, for the most part; in the greatest part.
- With might and main, or With all one's might and main, with all one's strength; with violent effort. [1913 Webster]
- With might and main they chased the murderous fox. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'With might and main'
From: GCIDE
- Might \Might\, n. [AS. meaht, miht, from the root of magan to be able, E. may; akin to D. magt, OS. maht, G. macht, Icel. m[=a]ttr, Goth. mahts. [root]103. See May, v.] Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose, feeling, or action; means or resources to effect an object; strength; force; power; ability; capacity. [1913 Webster]
- What so strong, But wanting rest, will also want of might? --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
- Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. --Deut. vi. 5. [1913 Webster]
- With might and main. See under 2d Main. [1913 Webster]