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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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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What so strong,
But wanting rest, will also want of might? --Spenser.
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Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. --Deut.
vi. 5.
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With might and main. See under 2d Main.
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