Near the wind

Near \Near\ (n[=e]r), adv. [AS. ne['a]r, compar. of ne['a]h
   nigh. See {Nigh}.]
   1. At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree;
      not remote; nigh.
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            My wife! my traitress! let her not come near me.
                                                  --Milton.
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   2. Nearly; almost; well-nigh. "Near twenty years ago."
      --Shak. "Near a fortnight ago." --Addison.
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            Near about the yearly value of the land. --Locke.
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   3. Closely; intimately. --Shak.
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   {Far and near}, at a distance and close by; throughout a
      whole region.

   {To come near to}, to want but little of; to approximate to.
      "Such a sum he found would go near to ruin him."
      --Addison.

   {Near the wind} (Naut.), close to the wind; closehauled.
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