Close at hand; near. Cf. handy, adj. 5a.

Hence, as attribute of nouns of condition, e.g. close order, close rank, or of action, as close fight, close combat, with various elliptical…

next door (to): in the next house (to); hence figurative very near (to), bordering (on).

Next or nearest in position, quality, etc.; immediately adjacent; = proximate, adj. 2.

loosely. Neighbouring, situated in close proximity (though not in contact). †Of persons: Dwelling near.

Closely neighbouring, immediately adjacent, next, nearest (in space, serial order, quality, etc.). Also occasionally figurative: close, intimate.

Next-lying, immediately adjacent.