1. The act of leading or conducting; guidance; direction; as, to take the lead; to be under the lead of another. At the time I speak of, and having a momentary lead, . . . I am sure I did my country important service. Burke.
2. precedence; advance position; also, the measure of precedence; as, the white horse had the lead; a lead of a boat's length, or of half a second.
3. (Cards & Dominoes)
Defn: The act or right of playing first in a game or round; the card suit, or piece, so played; as, your partner has the lead.
4. An open way in an ice field. Kane.
5. (Mining)
Defn: A lode.
6. (Naut.)
Defn: The course of a rope from end to end.
7. (Steam Engine)