from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.]
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There were in this battle of most might and main.
--R. of Gl.
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He 'gan advance,
With huge force, and with importable main.
--Spenser.
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2. The chief or principal part; the main or most important
thing. [Obs., except in special uses.]
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Resolved to rest upon the title of Lancaster as the
main, and to use the other two . . . but as
supporters. --Bacon.
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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.
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{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.
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With might and main they chased the murderous fox.
--Dryden.
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