Emily Dickinson Lexicon

INCH, n. [Sax. ince; L. uncia, the twelfth part; Gr. ουγγια, but said to be from the Latin.]

1. A lineal measure in Great Britain and the United States, being the twelfth part of a foot, and equal to the length of three barley corns.
2. Proverbially, a small quantity or degree; as, to die by inches; to gain ground by inches.
3. A precise point of time. Beldame, I think, we watch'd you at an inch. [Unusual.] Shak.