ɡeɪn v. & n. --v. 1 tr.
obtain or
secure (usu.
something desired or favourable) (gain an
advantage; gain recognition). 2 tr.
acquire (a sum) as profits or as a
result of changed conditions;
earn. 3 tr. obtain as an
increment or
addition (gain
momentum; gain weight). 4 tr. a
win (a victory). b
reclaim (land
from the sea). 5 intr. (foll. by in)
make a specified
advance or
improvement (gained in stature). 6 intr. & tr. (of a clock etc.)
become fast, or be fast by (a specified
amount of time). 7 intr. (often foll. by
on, upon)
come closer to a
person or
thing pursued. 8 tr. a
bring over to one's
interest or views. b (foll. by over) win by
persuasion etc. 9 tr.
reach or
arrive at (a desired place). --n. 1 something gained, achieved, etc. 2 an
increase of possessions
etc.; a
profit, advance, or improvement. 3 the
acquisition of
wealth. 4 (in pl.) sums of
money acquired by
trade etc., emoluments, winnings. 5 an increase in amount. 6
Electronics a the
factor by
which power etc. is increased. b the
logarithm of
this. øgain ground see
GROUND(1). gain
time improve one's chances by causing or accepting
delay. øøgainable adj. gainer n. gainings n.pl. [OF gaigner, gaaignier to till, acquire, ult. f. Gmc]
