[syn: generally, in general, in the main]
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.]
[1913 Webster]
There were in this battle of most might and main.
--R. of Gl.
[1913 Webster]
He 'gan advance,
With huge force, and with importable main.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. The chief or principal part; the main or most important
thing. [Obs., except in special uses.]
[1913 Webster]
Resolved to rest upon the title of Lancaster as the
main, and to use the other two . . . but as
supporters. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
With might and main they chased the murderous fox.
--Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
in the main
adv 1: for the most part; "he is mainly interested in
butterflies" [syn: chiefly, principally, primarily,
mainly, in the main]
2: without distinction of one from others; "he is interested in
snakes in general" [syn: generally, in general, in the
main] [ant: specifically]