Of roads or directions: Near, straight; esp. in superlative form, as the gainest way.

Straight, not bent or crooked. Of a path: straight, direct. Also figurative. Now somewhat rare.

Of a way, path, etc.: lying directly before a person; that may swiftly and easily be followed; direct. Also in figurative contexts (esp. with…

Of a road: Direct. Of a measure: Exact.

Denoting proximity. In later use chiefly in comparative and superlative. Of a way or road: = near, adj. 6b.

That leads towards the place one wishes to reach, that leads in the correct direction. Frequently in figurative contexts.

Of a road, a way, etc.: short, direct. Chiefly in comparative and superlative. See also cut, n.2 16c.

Of a path, road, etc.: Directly in front of one, straight forward. Obsolete.

Direct; near, short. northern dialect.