\Inch\, n. [Gael. inis.]
An island; -- often used in the names of small islands off
the coast of Scotland, as in Inchcolm, Inchkeith, etc.
[Scot.]

\Inch\, n. [OE. inche, unche, AS. ynce, L. uncia the
twelfth part, inch, ounce. See {Ounce} a weight.]
1. A measure of length, the twelfth part of a foot, commonly
   subdivided into halves, quarters, eights, sixteenths,
   etc., as among mechanics. It was also formerly divided
   into twelve parts, called lines, and originally into three
   parts, called barleycorns, its length supposed to have
   been determined from three grains of barley placed end to
   end lengthwise. It is also sometimes called a prime ('),
   composed of twelve seconds (''), as in the duodecimal
   system of arithmetic.
   12 seconds ('') make 1 inch or prime. 12 inches or primes
   (') make 1 foot.                            --B.
                                               Greenleaf.
Note: The meter, the accepted scientific standard of length,
      equals 39.37 inches; the inch is equal to 2.54
      centimeters. See {Metric system}, and {Meter}.
2. A small distance or degree, whether of time or space;
   hence, a critical moment.
         Beldame, I think we watched you at an inch. --Shak.
{By inches}, by slow degrees, gradually.
{Inch of candle}. See under {Candle}.
{Inches of pressure}, usually, the pressure indicated by so
   many inches of a mercury column, as on a steam gauge.
{Inch of water}. See under {Water}.
{Miner's inch}, (Hydraulic Mining), a unit for the
   measurement of water. See {Inch of water}, under {Water}.

\Inch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Inched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Inching}.]
1. To drive by inches, or small degrees. [R.]
         He gets too far into the soldier's grace And inches
         out my master.                        --Dryden.
2. To deal out by inches; to give sparingly. [R.]

\Inch\, v. i.
To advance or retire by inches or small degrees; to move
slowly.
      With slow paces measures back the field, And inches to
      the walls.                               --Dryden.

\Inch\, a.
Measurement an inch in any dimension, whether length,
breadth, or thickness; -- used in composition; as, a two-inch
cable; a four-inch plank.
{Inch stuff}, boards, etc., sawed one inch thick.