Main, n. [AS. mægen strength, power, force; akin to OHG. magan, Icel.
megin, and to E. may, v. &?;. See May, v.] 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. 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.
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.
With might and main they chased the murderous fox.
Dryden.
Main (?), a. [From Main strength, possibly influenced by OF. maine,
magne, great, L. magnus. Cf. Magnate.] 1. Very or extremely strong.
[Obs.]
That current with main fury ran.
Daniel.