by inches

noun

1. a unit of length in the FPS system, equal to foot (2.54 cm): symbol, ″: abbrev. in
2. a fall (of rain, snow, etc.) equal to the amount that would cover a surface to the depth of one inch
3. a unit of pressure as measured by a barometer or manometer, equal to the pressure balanced by the weight on a one-inch column of liquid, usually mercury, in the instrument
4. a very small amount, degree, or distance; trifle; bit

transitive verb, intransitive verb