Gain. n.s. [gain, French.]

1. Profit; advantage.

   But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Phil. iii. 7.

   Besides the purpose it were now, to teach how victory should be used, or the gains thereof communicated to the general content. Raleigh's Essays.

   It is in praise of men as in gettings and gains; for light gains make heavy purses; for light gains come thick, whereas great come but now and then. Bacon, Essay 53.

   This must be made by some governor upon his own private account, who has a great stock that he is content to turn that way, and is invited by the gains. Temple.

2. Interest; lucrative views.

   That sir, which serves for gain,
   And follows but for form,
   Will pack, when it begins to rain,
   And leave thee in the storm. Shakespeare's King Lear.

3. Unlawful advantage.

   Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 2 Cor. xii. 17.

4. Overplus in a comparative computation; any thing opposed to loss.