Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Near \Near\ (n[=e]r), adv. [AS. ne['a]r, compar. of ne['a]h
   nigh. See {Nigh}.]
   1. At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree;
      not remote; nigh.

            My wife! my traitress! let her not come near me.
                                                  --Milton.

   2. Nearly; almost; well-nigh. ``Near twenty years ago.''
      --Shak. ``Near a fortnight ago.'' --Addison.

            Near about the yearly value of the land. --Locke.

   3. Closely; intimately. --Shak.

   {Far and near}, at a distance and close by; throughout a
      whole region.

   {To come near to}, to want but little of; to approximate to.
      ``Such a sum he found would go near to ruin him.''
      --Addison.

   {Near the wind} (Naut.), close to the wind; closehauled.