stretch

I. verb Etymology: Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan; akin to Old High German strecchan to stretch, Old English stræc firm, severe Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position 2. to reach out ; extend <

stretched out her arms

> 3. to extend in length <

stretched his neck to see what was going on

> 4. to fell with or as if with a blow 5. to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture 6. to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position 7. to pull taut <

canvas stretched on a frame

> 8. a. to enlarge or distend especially by force b. to extend or expand as if by physical force <

stretch one's mind with a good book

> c. strain <

stretched his already thin patience

> 9. to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space) <

stretch a wire between two posts

> 10. a. to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits <

the rules can be stretched this once

> b. to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function <

stretching a dollar

> 11. to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running <

stretch a single into a double

> intransitive verb 1. a. to become extended in length or breadth or both ; spread <

broad plains stretching to the sea

> b. to extend over a continuous period <

the dynasty stretches back several centuries

> 2. to become extended without breaking 3. a. to extend one's body or limbs <

stretched before jogging

> <

wanted to stretch out on the sofa

> b. to lie down at full length • stretchability noun • stretchable adjective • stretchy adjective II. noun Date: 1541 1. a. an exercise of something (as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits <

their conclusion seemed like a bit of a stretch

> b. an extension of the scope or application of something <

a stretch of language

> 2. the extent to which something may be stretched 3. a. the act of stretching ; the state of being stretched <

a good stretch for legs

> b. the position of a pitcher standing sideways to home plate so as to keep a runner close to a base <

pitching from the stretch

> 4. a. an extent in length or area <

an open stretch of road

> b. a continuous period of time <

can write for eight hours at a stretch

> 5. a walk to relieve fatigue 6. a term of imprisonment <

served a 10-year stretch

> 7. a. either of the straight sides of a racecourse; especially homestretch b. a final stage (as of a contest or season) <

won some crucial games down the stretch

> 8. the capacity for being stretched ; elasticity <

a waistband with lots of stretch

> 9. a stretch limousine III. adjective Date: 1954 1. easily stretched ; elastic <

a stretch wig

> 2. longer than the standard size <

a stretch limousine

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