And stretch forth his neck long and small.
--Chaucer.
I in conquest stretched mine arm. --Shak.
2. To draw out to the full length; to cause to extend in a
straight line; as, to stretch a cord or rope.
3. To cause to extend in breadth; to spread; to expand; as,
to stretch cloth; to stretch the wings.
4. To make tense; to tighten; to distend forcibly.
The ox hath therefore stretched his yoke in vain.
--Shak.
5. To draw or pull out to greater length; to strain; as, to
stretch a tendon or muscle.
Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve. --Doddridge.
6. To exaggerate; to extend too far; as, to stretch the
truth; to stretch one's credit.
They take up, one day, the most violent and
stretched prerogative. --Burke.