The arbitrary units of old had centuries to be the basis for words and phrases. While the modern (US) inch is from the 20th century. Inches of variable lengths have been since at least the 1300s in current spelling. Wikipedia claims even a first occurrence from 700 AD.

inch (n.1)

 

"linear measure, one-twelfth of a foot," late Old English ynce, Middle English unche (current spelling c. 1300) - Etymonline

The verb is from a lot later:

inch (v.)

 

1590s, "move little by little" (intrans.), from inch (n.1). Meaning "drive or force by small degrees" (trans.) is from 1660s. - Etymonline

This shows that both words are actually pre-imperial. Imperial units have been only established in the nineteenth century. Thus, I would challenge the categorization as imperial unit verb in the first place.

There are a few metrical words, like the verb to meter, which has already been appropriated by the usage in parking meters for example. Given the length of words for the smaller metrical units it's unlikely inching will be replaced anytime soon.

Since the definition of the verb from dictionaries does't even refer to inches (anymore?) I would consider the verb non-imperial already. It is older than the imperial system which just happens to have a successor to the old British inch the verb is based on.

inch VERB [NO OBJECT] 1 Move along slowly and carefully. - ODO

Conclusion

Using inching is perfectly okay and there is no math associated with it that will let your spaceships crash.

The arbitrary units of old had centuries to be the basis for words and phrases. While the modern (US) inch is from the 20th century. Inches of variable lengths have been since at least the 1300s in current spelling. Wikipedia claims even a first occurrence from 700 AD.

inch (n.1)

"linear measure, one-twelfth of a foot," late Old English ynce, Middle English unche (current spelling c. 1300) - Etymonline

The verb is from a lot later:

inch (v.)

1590s, "move little by little" (intrans.), from inch (n.1). Meaning "drive or force by small degrees" (trans.) is from 1660s. - Etymonline

This shows that both words are actually pre-imperial. Imperial units have been only established in the nineteenth century. Thus, I would challenge the categorization as imperial unit verb in the first place.

There are a few metrical words, like the verb to meter, which has already been appropriated by the usage in parking meters for example. Given the length of words for the smaller metrical units it's unlikely inching will be replaced anytime soon.

Since the definition of the verb from dictionaries does't even refer to inches (anymore?) I would consider the verb non-imperial already. It is older than the imperial system which just happens to have a successor to the old British inch the verb is based on.

inch VERB [NO OBJECT] 1 Move along slowly and carefully. - ODO

Conclusion

Using inching is perfectly okay and there is no math associated with it that will let your spaceships crash.

The arbitrary units of old had centuries to be the basis for words and phrases. While the modern (US) inch is from the 20th century. Inches of variable lengths have been since at least the 1300s in current spelling. Wikipedia claims even a first occurrence from 700 AD.

inch (n.1)

"linear measure, one-twelfth of a foot," late Old English ynce, Middle English unche (current spelling c. 1300) - Etymonline

The verb is from a lot later:

inch (v.)

1590s, "move little by little" (intrans.), from inch (n.1). Meaning "drive or force by small degrees" (trans.) is from 1660s. - Etymonline

There are a few metrical words, like the verb to meter, which has already been appropriated by the usage in parking meters for example. Given the length of words for the smaller metrical units it's unlikely inching will be replaced anytime soon.

But who knows, maybe people will be centing in a hundred years and etymologists will have to explain why old-fashioned people use inching.

Who knows? Time will tell.

The arbitrary units of old had centuries to be the basis for words and phrases. While the modern (US) inch is from the 20th century. Inches of variable lengths have been since at least the 1300s in current spelling. Wikipedia claims even a first occurrence from 700 AD.

inch (n.1)

"linear measure, one-twelfth of a foot," late Old English ynce, Middle English unche (current spelling c. 1300) - Etymonline

The verb is from a lot later:

inch (v.)

1590s, "move little by little" (intrans.), from inch (n.1). Meaning "drive or force by small degrees" (trans.) is from 1660s. - Etymonline

This shows that both words are actually pre-imperial. Imperial units have been only established in the nineteenth century. Thus, I would challenge the categorization as imperial unit verb in the first place.

There are a few metrical words, like the verb to meter, which has already been appropriated by the usage in parking meters for example. Given the length of words for the smaller metrical units it's unlikely inching will be replaced anytime soon.

Since the definition of the verb from dictionaries does't even refer to inches (anymore?) I would consider the verb non-imperial already. It is older than the imperial system which just happens to have a successor to the old British inch the verb is based on.

inch VERB [NO OBJECT] 1 Move along slowly and carefully. - ODO

Conclusion

Using inching is perfectly okay and there is no math associated with it that will let your spaceships crash.