main
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main1 adjective Extraordinary, exceptional. [cf OED3 main adj 2a “of an action, emotion, etc.: manifesting or requiring great force or energy; powerful, mighty, strong,” obsolete; DARE labels this usage “chiefly South Midland”]
1924 Raine Saddlebags 103 He’s a main worker; he has breskit. 1930 Armstrong This Day and Time 231 Ivy pulled him toward the shed by main force. 1937 Hall Coll (Townsend TN) He was a main hunter. 1991 Still Wolfpen Notebooks 85 Goose grease is the main-est thing for waterproofing shoes.
main2 adverb Extraordinarily, very. [OED3 main adv “very, exceedingly” now regional; DARE labels this usage “chiefly southern Appalachians”]
1895 Edson and Fairchild TN Mts 372 Hit’s the main biggest rabbit I ever see. 1937 Hall Coll (Townsend TN) That’s a main big horse. 1955 Ritchie Singing Family 194 I know this ain’t the last skimmin’, I’ll finish filling it whenever you skim her for the main last time. That’s the best foam. 1993 Stories ‘neath Roan 37 There were some main big old maple trees close by.