Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GAIN, v.i.

1. To have advantage or profit; to grow rich; to advance in interest or happiness. Thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbors by extortion. – Ezek. xxii.
2. To encroach; to advance on; to come forward by degrees; with on; as, the ocean or river gains on the land.
3. To advance nearer; to gain ground on; with on; as, a fleet horse gains on his competitor.
4. To get ground; to prevail against or have the advantage. The English have not only gained upon the Venetians in the Levant, but have their cloth in Venice itself. – Addison.
5. To obtain influence with. My good behavior had so far gained on the emperor, that I began to conceive hopes of liberty. – Swift. To gain the wind, in sea language, is to arrive on the windward side of another ship.