STRETCH (2)

stretch (2). Stretch, n. an extension, effort, more than truth, a tack in sailing

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Stretch, v. i. 1. 1. To be extended; to be drawn out in length or in breadth, or both; to spread; to reach; as, the iron road stretches across the continent; the lake stretches over fifty square miles.
As far as stretcheth any ground. Gower. 2. 2. To extend or spread one's self, or one's limbs; as, the lazy man yawns and stretches.
3. 3. To be extended, or to bear extension, without breaking, as elastic or ductile substances.
The inner membrane . . . because it would stretch and yield, remained umbroken. Boyle. 4. 4. To strain the truth; to exaggerate; as, a man apt to stretch in his report of facts.
5. 5. (Naut.) To sail by the wind under press of canvas; as, the ship stretched to the eastward. Ham. Nav. Encyc.
Stretch out, an order to rowers to extend themselves forward in dipping the oar.