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The Collaborative International Dictionary
In the main

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.]

    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:

    1. The great sea, as distinguished from an arm, bay, etc.; the high sea; the ocean. ``Struggling in the main.''
      --Dryden.

    2. The continent, as distinguished from an island; the mainland. ``Invaded the main of Spain.''
      --Bacon.

    3. 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.

Wiktionary
in the main

alt. principally; on the whole; for the most part. prep.phr. principally; on the whole; for the most part.

WordNet
in the main
  1. adv. for the most part; "he is mainly interested in butterflies" [syn: chiefly, principally, primarily, mainly]

  2. without distinction of one from others; "he is interested in snakes in general" [syn: generally, in general] [ant: specifically]