1. (adv.) At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree; not remote; nigh.

2. (adv.) Nearly; almost; well-nigh.

3. (adv.) Closely; intimately.

4. (adv.) Not far distant in time, place, or degree; not remote; close at hand; adjacent; neighboring; nigh.

5. (adv.) Closely connected or related.

6. (adv.) Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend.

7. (adv.) Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling; as, a version near to the original.

8. (adv.) So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow; as, a near escape.

9. (adv.) Next to the driver, when he is on foot; in the United States, on the left of an animal or a team; as, the near ox; the near leg. See Off side, under Off, a.

10. (a) Immediate; direct; close; short.

11. (a) Close-fisted; parsimonious.

12. (prep.) Adjacent to; close by; not far from; nigh; as, the ship sailed near the land.

13. (adv.) To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land.

14. (v. i.) To draw near; to approach.