Inch  —n. 1 linear measure of 1/12 of a foot (2.54 cm). 2 (as a unit of rainfall) 1 inch depth of water. 3 (as a unit of map-scale) so many inches representing 1 mile. 4 small amount (usu. With neg.: would not yield an inch). —v. Move gradually.  every inch entirely (looked every inch a queen). Within an inch of almost to the point of. [old english from latin uncia *ounce]