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What is "with might and main"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
With might and 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.

With might and main

Might \Might\, n. [AS. meaht, miht, from the root of magan to be able, E. may; akin to D. magt, OS. maht, G. macht, Icel. m[=a]ttr, Goth. mahts. [root]103. See May, v.] Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose, feeling, or action; means or resources to effect an object; strength; force; power; ability; capacity.

What so strong, But wanting rest, will also want of might?
--Spenser.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
--Deut. vi. 5.

With might and main. See under 2d Main.

Usage examples of "with might and main".

He was holding on with might and main to the end of a cable, and appeared to gaze with pleasure and delight at the spectacle of the unchained elements.

So saying, he delivered the stroke at Sir James with might and main.

Thus they rushed: each man with might and main clinging to his seat, to prevent being tossed to the foam.

The boys put their shoulders against the door, which was fastened, and pushed with might and main--once, twice.

The three came toward where Robin Hood sat, all the band staring with might and main, for never had they seen so gay a sight as this young Page, nor one so richly clad in silks and velvets and gold and jewels.

So, without stopping a moment, they dashed forward with might and main and burst forth from the covert into the highroad.

Now the Trojans followed Hector son of Priam in close array like a storm-cloud or flame of fire, fighting with might and main and raising the cry battle.

Let us, moreover, exchange presents that it may be said among the Achaeans and Trojans, 'They fought with might and main, but were reconciled and parted in friendship.

Will Scarlet rolled up his sleeve, and, standing on tiptoe to give the greater swing to his arm, he struck with might and main.

At last Little John saw his chance, and, throwing all the strength he felt going from him into one blow that might have felled an ox, he struck at the Tanner with might and main.

As Blunt strode forward, Myles struck, and struck with might and main, but he was too excited to deliver his blow with calculation.

And with great ire did he have at it, hewing with might and main until there were no end of little beasts underfoot, but suddenly they all backed off, went into a huddle, and there stood the beast again, good as new and stifling a yawn.

Thrice did he spring forward with might and main to slay him, and thrice did Apollo beat back his gleaming shield.