DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Inch, n.
 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; also used metaphorically of minor concessins in bargaining; as, he won't give an inch; give him an inch and he'll take a mile.
    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.