trimn.
/trɪm/, U.S. /trɪm/ I. Nautical and Aeronautical senses.
1. The state of being trimmed or prepared for sailing; esp. the condition of being ‘fully rigged and ready to sail’ (Onions Shaks. Gloss.).
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > [noun] > vessel as fitted out for sailing > condition of
trimc1595
c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 59 Our good shipp beinge putt in her best trym..Captaine Jobson caused the collers..to be advanced in the topps, poope and shrowdes of our shipp.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. i. 90 The ship is in her trim, the merrie winde Blowes faire from land. View more context for this quotation
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 36 I found my shippe to be in perfect good trimme.
1874 F. C. Burnand My Time xxix. 279 Their yacht..was kept in trim all the year round.
1878 W. Besant & J. Rice By Celia's Arbour I. xii. 174 Don't let the boy think the vessel has got out of trim after all these years.
2.
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a. The most advantageous set of a ship in the water on her fore and aft line: also with qualification, as good, better, best, bad trim.
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b. Adjustment of the sails with reference to the direction of the wind and the ship's course.
c. The condition of being properly balanced.
d. The difference between the draught forward and the draught aft (cf. trim v. 13).
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society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [noun] > fore and aft trim
trim1614
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia iii. 111 Of any ship to find the trimme, In wrought seas how she best might swimme.
1674 W. Petty Disc. before Royal Soc. 28 Different Velocities, arising from the different Trim of the same Ship,..the best Trim being that which makes least resistance.
1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Trimm of a Ship, is her best Posture, Proportion of Ballast, and hanging of her Masts, &c. for Sailing;..to find the best way of making any Ship to Sail swiftly, is called finding her Trim.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson Introd. sig. d3v The discovery of her most eligible position in the water (usually stiled her Trim).
1764 T. Reid Inq. Human Mind vi. §22 A ship requires a different trim for every variation of the direction and strength of the wind.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Out of trim, the state of a ship when she is not properly balanced for the purposes of navigation.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §170 They must..always be in sailing trim.
1839 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 2 323/1 To preserve the trim of the ship, by keeping the centre of gravity in its proper position.
1839 T. Hood Pain in Pleasure-boat in Hood's Own 373 Bill, shift them bags of ballast aft—she's rather out of trim!
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Trim, the set of a ship on the water, whether by the head or the stern, or on an even keel. It is by the disposition of the ballast, cargo, masts, and other weight which she carries, that a vessel is best adapted for navigation... Trim of the hold, the arrangement of the cargo, &c., by which a vessel carries sail well [etc.].
e. In vague non-technical use, The general appearance or look of a ship: cf. 4.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel with reference to qualities or attributes > [noun] > attributes of vessel > general appearance of vessel
trim1757
1757 T. Gray Ode II ii. ii, in Odes 17 In gallant trim the gilded Vessel goes.
1837 B. Disraeli Venetia III. 157 I cannot exactly make out its trim; it scarcely seems a merchant vessel.
f. The position of a submarine with respect to the angle between its longitudinal axis and the horizontal.
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society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [noun] > fore and aft trim > of submarine
trim1917
1917 Chambers's Jrnl. Aug. 557/2 When his boat was diving he had to be careful how he changed his position; otherwise the ‘trim’ was in danger of being upset.
1935 Sun (Baltimore) 14 Feb. 8/2 All ballast and emergency fuel dump tanks in the after part of the ship were dropped, and gas was valved from the forward gas cells in an effort to regain the trim.
1942 Gen 1 Aug. 3/1 Once out of the harbour the submarine dives for trim and, having caught the trim, she surfaces again.
1974 ‘M. Hebden’ Pride of Dolphins ii. ix. 186 Navigation..is what you will be chiefly responsible for. Navigation and trim.
1974 ‘M. Hebden’ Pride of Dolphins iii. ii. 224 Addams did a trim dive before he left.
3. The position of an aircraft with respect to the angle between its longitudinal axis and the horizontal; the condition of static balance of the aerodynamic forces on an aircraft in straight flight; a device or action used to maintain such balance. Frequently attributive.
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society > travel > air or space travel > specific movements or positions of aircraft > [noun] > attitude in relation to line of travel
attitude1910
trim1919
1919 Gloss. Aeronaut. Terms (Royal Aeronaut. Soc.) 17 Trim, the inclination to the horizontal of the longitudinal axis when the aerostat is floating freely at rest.
1935 C. G. Burge Compl. Bk. Aviation 242/2 A trim of this kind may also be useful on a very powerful fighting aeroplane of small span.
1944 Times 3 Apr. 2/4 With the elevator trims gone, the Lancaster was tending to climb all the time.
1962 J. Glenn in J. Glenn et al. Into Orbit 12 The enemy shell had knocked out part of my trim controls.
1968 M. Woodhouse Rock Baby xxvii. 250 Yancy corrected trim. We flew another mile.
1977 D. Beaty Excellency vi. 78 He studied the load and trim sheet.
1977 D. Beaty Excellency vi. 81 He took his right hand off the stick, grabbed the trim wheel to push it forward... He let go of the trim, brought his right hand back.
1977 D. Beaty Excellency vi. 82 With the aircraft so badly out of trim, the autopilot refused to cope.
1982 J. Savarin Water Hole 173 He found the trim to his liking, switched on the auto pilot and relaxed.
II. General senses.
4. figurative.1637 P. Heylyn Antidotum Lincolniense Pref. sig. A jv One that conjectured of the house by the trimme or dresse, would thinke it very richly furnished.1650 T. Vaughan Anthroposophia Theomagica 65 I would not have Thee look here for the Paint, and Trim of Retorick.a1657 G. Daniel Poems (1878) I. 38 The Earth doth now begin To flourish, in her Sweet and glorious Trimme.1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 357 Nature in her cultivated trim Dressed to his taste, inviting him abroad.† b. the trim n. Obsolete rare the prevailing mode; the fashion.† c. with a and plural. A piece of personal adornment, an ornament; a style of dress or array; also figurative. Obsolete.
a. Adornment, array; equipment, outfit; dress: usually in reference to style or appearance; hence sometimes nearly = guise, aspect.
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the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > [noun] > ornamentation or decoration
atiffement1330
agraithing1340
apparela1375
anornamenta1382
adubmentc1400
dubmentc1400
anourement?1403
honourment1442
honestnessa1450
quaintisingc1450
ornaturea1475
adorning1495
furnish1500
accomplement?c1525
decking1531
habilimenta1533
parelc1540
exornation1548
garnishment1550
attirement1566
beautifyings1574
pranking1580
trinklement1582
decoration1584
decorement1587
trapping1596
trim1598
garnish1615
vinetry1622
polition1623
trickmenta1625
deckage1642
decor1656
garniture1685
buskrya1687
ornamentation1706
broidery1782
dizenment1864
necking1946
fanciness1961
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iv. i. 114 They come like sacrifices in their trim . View more context for this quotation
1624 P. Massinger Bond-man i. i. sig. B I would court Bellona in her Horrid-trime, As if she were a Mistrisse.
a1663 Viscount Falkland Mariage Night (1664) i. 4 A brave and Courtly Girle: has trim and dazle enough of white and red, to attract the eye.
1798 W. Wordsworth Idiot Boy in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads 155 She sees him in his travelling trim.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor v, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 63 Bucklaw in bridegroom trim.
1838–9 F. A. Kemble Jrnl. Resid. Georgian Plantation (1863) 58 The Sunday trim of the poor people.
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the mind > attention and judgement > fashionableness > [noun] > the or a prevailing fashion
gentryc1400
the fashion1569
mainstream1599
the trim1603
mood1646
mode1649
vogue1649
beauty1653
à la mode1654
turn1695
the kick1699
goût1717
thing1734
taste1739
ton1769
nick1788
the tippy1790
twig1811
latest1814
dernier mot1834
ticket1838
kibosh1880
last cry1887
le (or the) dernier cri1896
flavour of the month (or week)1946
vague1962
1603 S. Daniel Def. Ryme in Panegyrike (new ed.) sig. G5 Being now the trym, and fashion of the times, to sute a man otherwise cannot but giue a touch of singularity.
1629 J. Ford Lovers Melancholy i. 14 Not like a Lady of the trim, new crept..Into the glittering pomp of ease.
1638 J. Ford Fancies iv. 49 Ist possible? why? you are turn'd a Mistris, A mistris of the trimme.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun]
wearing?c1225
guisec1275
attire1382
habita1420
shapea1425
trick1542
fashion1544
trim1579
suit shape1598
garb1608
form1664
toilet1752
macaroni dressa1777
turn-out1812
style1814
set-out1834
get-up1842
rig1843
feather1854
model1859
make-up1883
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > [noun] > ornamentation or decoration > an ornament
ornamenta1382
paramentc1395
adornmentc1405
flower1542
furniture1548
furniments1553
bravery1577
grace1579
trim1579
honour1589
outsetc1590
parergy1592
trapping1596
adornation1597
parergon1601
accomplishment1605
bellishment1611
facing1622
decorement1632
embellishment1632
gallantry1633
ornamentals1650
disguisements1655
decorationa1678
buska1687
decorament1727
pretty1736
tahalli1833
chicken fixings1840
ornamentality1842
grace note1922
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 294 For her purple gownes, or for other suche prety fine trimmes of golde, as women vse to weare.
1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 24 If I see a trimme, far trimmer than she that weares it.
1675 W. Penn England's Present Interest i. sig. d v Civil Affairs..may be peaceably transacted under the different Trims of Religion.
d. The act of trimming or condition of being trimmed (cf. trim v. 9).
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the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > cutting > [noun] > cutting off or away (with an instrument)
shearingc1315
paring1319
concision1382
shaving1390
thwiting1393
forcingc1440
trousing1512
trimmingc1525
circumcision1581
snipping1583
clipping1589
snip-snap1597
trim1608
whittling1614
collinga1628
shripping1635
snippery1639
undercuttinga1652
exscindinga1677
nipping1693
snip-snapping1906
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > cut or cropped
roundinga1582
stumps1584
stubs1607
trim1608
tonsure1650
committee cut1691
rasure1737
crop1795
county crop1839
flat-top1859
prison cropc1863
clip1889
Dartmoor crop1930
razor cut1940
prison haircut1948
scissor cut1948
cut1951
pudding basin1951
short back and sides1965
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > [noun] > cutting or shaving > act of
haircut1848
trima1914
1608 S. Rowlands Humors Looking Glasse 4 Many antique faces passe, From Barbers chaire vnto his glasse, There to beholde their kinde of trim.
a1914 Mod. colloq. The barber will give you a trim.
1931 G. A. Foan Art & Craft Hairdressing iii. 134/1 It must be realized, however, that this is a shingle trim, that the work must be done more lightly, and that..less hair will be removed.
1955 H. D. Steiner Crowning Glory iii. 30 The main business of the hair dresser is to see that both the trim and set accord with the natural convolutions of the hair.
1977 D. Bennett Jigsaw Man viii. 141 He left with two wigs and an appointment to come back for a trim.
1983 Chicago Sun-Times 15 Nov. 41/1 (heading) Too few trims in new budget.
e. = trimming n. 2a.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > trimmings or ornamentation
pertinencea1513
garnish1527
trapping1596
trimming1625
trim1665
garniture1668
trimmage1693
fixing1820
fakement1843
doings1847
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 143 The gold..that was laid..upon the trim of Vests, was..in as perfect lustre as if it had been but newly done.
1948 H. Pepin Fund. Apparel Design vi. 137/2 This asymmetrically balanced motif proved suitable for border trim on sleeve.
1964 McCall's Sewing in Colour xiii. 236/1 Beading is a very effective trim but tedious to do.
1982 W. Boyd Ice-cream War i. i. 7 The women all wore white dresses with lacy trims and carried parasols.
f. The dressings of a house; ‘the visible woodwork, as the base-boards, door and window-casings, etc.’ ( Cent. Dict.). U.S.
ΚΠ
1884 N.Y. Evening Post 14 Apr. (Cent. D.) No wood having been used in construction except for floors, doors, and trim.
1885 W. D. Howells Rise Silas Lapham xvi. 302 The trim of the doors and windows was in light green and the panels in salmon.
g. A shop-window display. U.S.
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society > trade and finance > trading place > place where retail transactions made > [noun] > shop > shop-front > shop window > display in
window display1845
trim1899
1899 Harman's Jrnl. Feb. 7/1 The design for a [men's] furnishing trim..by Harry Harold of Milwaukee, Wis., a window trimmer, is a very clever arrangement.
1926 Publishers' Weekly 30 Jan. 328/1 A large red ribbon rosette, from which radiated white satin ribbons to a number of stands at each side of the trim.
1926 Publishers' Weekly 10 July 119/2 When Stone's trim was removed, Wheatly did his ‘stuff’.
1945 J. Bradford Retail Merchandiser's Handbk. xi. 62 Try to liven up a window as much as possible by using new, bright, and flashy display trims.
h. Ornamental additions or finishings to a vehicle, piece of furniture, or other article; spec. the upholstery or interior lining of a motor car. Cf. trimming n. 2c. Originally U.S.
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society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > [noun] > parts of furniture generally > ornamental parts
boll1651
gallery1853
split baluster1904
cresting1908
trim1922
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > parts and equipment of motor vehicles > [noun] > lining or upholstery
headlining1912
trim1922
trimming1938
head liner1961
1922 Automobile Trimmer & Painter Aug. 50/1 The Franklin trim is designed to give a maximum degree of resiliency and durability in order to match these qualities in the rest of the car.
1936 C. W. Seager Upholstered Furniture vii. 54 Trim serves the double purpose of concealing the raw edges and seams and supplying a decorative note.
1950 Pomeroy & Walkerley Motor Year Bk. 23 Throughout the range is an attractive style of trim incorporating contrasting piping round the edges of the seats.
1957 Pract. Wireless 33 532/1 This model costs 98 guineas, and the bow-fronted cabinet is veneered in walnut with gilt trim.
1961 B.S.I. News Aug. 26/2 We have not had a single exhaust trim or exhaustor returned with a plating fault.
1962 Which? Car Suppl. Oct. 144/1 Leather upholstery and walnut trim.
1969 Sears, Roebuck Catal. Spring–Summer 6/2 Matching double handle handbag... Contrasting bar lightly touched with gleaming gold-color metal trim.
1971 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Doctor Bird vi. 85 The sofa..was one of a facing pair in oatmeal with hide trim.
1977 Time 4 July 6/3 But the new Soviet President let it be known that he was not pleased with the color of the trim on the wagon's seats.
i. Cinematography. A piece of film cut out during editing; spec. a very short piece cut out during the final stage of editing. Originally U.S.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > editing > [noun] > rejected part
trim1934
out-take1960
offcut1973
1934 in Webster's New Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang.
1948 R. Spottiswoode Basic Film Techniques iii. 31/2 If he has to unwind rolls of trims (or cut-out sections of shots), he will let them hang on the bins.
1959 W. S. Sharps Dict. Cinematogr. 116/1 Outs, otherwise Trims, the material that is not included in the final edited version of a film.
1964 Listener 28 May 899/3 Theseus-Adonis and the Minotaur were separated by a film about Montreal made completely out of ‘trims’ from taped interviews and very rapid shots exemplifying the culture of cities.
1976 Broadcast 23 Aug. 6/2 The shop committee..will consider releasing the trims once it has seen all the documentation.
1976 Broadcast 23 Aug. 6/3 Thames..could also satisfy the union curiosity about the sheer quantity of trims—60 cans.
5.
a. Condition, state, or order, esp. for work or action of any kind: usually qualified by an adjective.
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the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > [noun] > good or bad condition or order
point?c1225
plighta1375
waya1400
ply1443
ploy1477
abyss1548
order1569
kilter1582
trim1628
tilter1674
fettle?1748
kidney1763
fix1816
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > [noun] > state of being prepared or ready
graithc1330
readinessc1350
in promptc1425
areadinessa1500
alreadiness1534
apointc1540
furniture1560
expedition1579
prestness1582
preparedness1590
trim1628
addressedness1633
concert pitch1742
engrenage1918
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xlv. sig. Q2v If we looke vpon him, in another trimme of the minde: how smooth hee is.
1666 G. Alsop Char. Province Maryland Ep. Ded. sig. A4 I am so my self, and the world, as far as I can perceive, is not much out of the same trim.
1749 T. Smollett tr. A. R. Le Sage Gil Blas IV. xi. xiv. 172 They had almost dined, and consequently, were in a trim for disputing.
1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 162 The Calender, amazed to see His neighbour in such trim.
1803 Duke of Wellington Dispatches (1837) I. 476 I am in good marching trim.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. i. 9 I can hardly keep my charts..in any thing like decent trim.
1882 Roxburgh in J. L. Watson Life R. S. Candlish ii. 25 Matters were at length in trim for my settlement.
1891 Field 7 Mar. 344/2 With the excellent present trim of the water, and fish feeding, anglers should take advantage of the few days left.
b. Hence in (†the) trim, into (to) trim, in or into proper condition or order.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > in (proper) order [phrase] > into proper order
to the rightsc1330
to point1481
at rightsa1641
into (to) trim1827
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > in preparation [phrase] > in a state of preparation or readiness > in or into readiness or order
into (to) trim1827
1827 W. Scott Life Napoleon VII. xvi. 456 Soldiers whose hearts were in the trim.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 89 One of your hermits that..brings himself to trim by fasting and penance.
1879 J. Ruskin Let. in Hortus Inclusus (1887) 68 [My] eyes, head, feet, and fingers, all fairly in trim.
1886 Huxley in Life & Lett. (1900) II. viii. 129 I will give him a dose of that remedy when once I get into trim.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 179 The barque was empty and the whaling gear in trim.
6. (originally figurative from 2.) The nature, character, or manner of a person or thing; his or its ‘way’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > character or nature > [noun]
birtha1250
the manner ofc1300
formc1310
propertyc1390
naturea1393
condition1393
qualitya1398
temperc1400
taragec1407
naturality?a1425
profession?a1439
affecta1460
temperament1471
essence?1533
affection1534
spirit?1534
temperature1539
natural spirit1541
character1577
complexion1589
tincture1590
idiom1596
qualification1602
texture1611
connativea1618
thread1632
genius1639
complexure1648
quale1654
indoles1672
suchness1674
staminaa1676
trim1707
tenor1725
colouring1735
tint1760
type1843
aura1859
thusness1883
physis1923
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 31 Those that knew his Trim, used to load him well with Ale and Salmon.
1771 Hist. Sir W. Harrington (1797) III. 53 Our brother..never is ten minutes in the company of a woman without finding what he calls the trim of her.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian i, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 5 His wife knows his trim, and I have not the least doubt that the matter is quite certain.
1824 ‘R. Stuart’ Descr. Hist. Steam Engine 206 The water which is heated under a great pressure..is forced into [that] in the common boiler, and heats it to any degree suited to the nature or trim of the engine.
1834 W. Beckford Italy; with Sketches Spain & Portugal II. 22 That I allow; but such, you know, is my trim, and I cannot help it.
7. U.S. slang. A woman; sexual intercourse with a woman.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual partner > [noun] > woman considered in sexual terms or as a sexual partner
cunnya1593
watermilla1626
piece of ass1816
fuck1870
gash1914
assa1916
mama1916
bim1922
pigmeat1926
nookie1928
screw1937
poontang1945
poon1947
trim1955
a bit (or piece) of crumpet1959
leg1968
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > [noun] > sexual intercourse > specifically with a woman
womenOE
wivingc1300
leap1607
tillage1609
cuntc1664
rogering1788
cock1895
rooting1922
trim1955
coozea1968
stank1980
coochie1986
1955 Amer. Speech 30 302 Chick, crazy freak, local talent, neat job, snatch, talent, trim, unfair sex, n., girl, usually pretty. Often used to refer to a woman of loose morals.
1961 F. J. Rigney & L. D. Smith Real Bohemia p. xvii Trim, cunnilingus.]
1962 ‘E. Lacy’ Freeloaders vi. 125 The broad isn't worth it, no trim is.
1974 H. L. Foster Ribbin', Jivin', & Playin' Dozens v. 191 Female student: ‘Somebody always askin for some trim and haven't even got anything.’
Compounds
trim tab n. (a) Aeronautics = trimming tab n. at trimming n. Compounds 2; (b) Nautical a hinged tab fitted to the trailing edge of a keel or rudder to facilitate steering.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > steering equipment > [noun] > rudder > hinged tab on trailing edge
trim tab1944
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > parts of aircraft > [noun] > movable control surface > trimming tab or flap
trimming plane1921
tab1934
trimmer1935
trimming flap1935
trimming tab1935
trim tab1944
1944 H. F. Gregory Anything Horse can Do 47 Elevator trim tab on an airplane—trimmed the craft so that when the hands were off the stick, the aircraft had no tendency to nose down or up.
1958 ‘J. Castle’ & A. Hailey Flight into Danger vii. 96 The speed slowly dropped. At 160 George adjusted the trim tabs.
1977 Encycl. Aviation 188/3 Most airplanes have hinged trim tabs whose incidence is controlled from the cockpit.
1978 Detroit Free Press 5 Mar. c21/5 (advt.) 1977 Sea Ray 24′ 233 Merc cruiser..trim tabs—hydraulic.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
trimadj.adv.
In many early quotations it is difficult or impossible to infer the exact shade of meaning intended. Cf. trig adj.1
A. adj.† 3. In ironical use: cf. ‘fine’, ‘nice’, ‘pretty’, in similar use. Obsolete.
1. † b. (?) Firm. (But perhaps sense A. 1) Obsolete.
a. In good condition or order; well prepared, furnished, or equipped; fit, competent, proper, suitable; hence, sound, good, excellent, fine, beautiful. (Often a vague term of approval.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [adjective]
goodOE
winlyOE
snella1000
winc1275
boonc1325
cleana1375
tidya1375
positivea1398
comelyc1400
kindc1400
kindly?a1425
well-formeda1425
trim?a1513
wally?a1513
bonnya1525
delicatea1533
goodlike1562
sappy1563
bein1567
rum1567
benedict1576
warrantable1581
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
goodlisomea1603
respectable1603
clever1738
amusing1753
plummy1787
bone1793
brickish1843
mooi1850
ryebuck1859
spandy1868
greatisha1871
healthy1878
popular1884
beefy1903
onkus1910
quies1919
cushty1929
high-powered1969
not shabby1975
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > [adjective] > prepared or ready > ready or set in order
tifta1400
trim?a1513
fixed1638
a1513 [implied in: W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 234 Quhen I schau hir sa trimlye dance, Hir guid conwoy and contenance. (at trimly adv. 1)].
c1530 H. Rhodes Bk. Nurture 504 Better is it to beate a prowde man then for to rebuke him, For he thinkes in his owne conceyte he is wyse and very trim.
1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. Aiiij For the sage Ryghte seriouse wordes be trim.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 992/2 .xl. great carreuelles, and thirtene trymme Barques throughly furnished and appoynted with good mariners and men of warre.
a1585 Ld. Polwart Flyting with Montgomerie (Harl.) 551 The blaired bucke and bystour..Hes right trume [v.r. trim] teathe, somwhat sett in a thrawe.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Cc2 Fragrant violets, and Paunces trim.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. 40 Sweet birdes..Ay caroling of love and jollity, That wonder was to heare their trim consort.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus v. i. 96 Twas trim sport for them which had the doing of it. View more context for this quotation
?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 382 Ane burges man..Having a trvme schop in the toun.
1636 R. James Iter Lancastrense (Chetham Soc.) 6 Gilbert Stone, being for ye time a trimme man of his penne.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 1032 The vessel rides;..In all her tackle trim, to quit the shore.
1818 Ld. Byron Beppo xcii. 47 The ship was trim.
ΚΠ
1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. James i. f. xxviii It taketh no rote in a briery place, ne in marice, nether in the sande..but it requireth a pure, a trymme, and a substaunciall grounde.
1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory ii. xvii. f. 282 Do yow not see here a trim faith and a substantiall?
2. Neatly or smartly made, prepared, or arranged; elegantly or finely arrayed, dressed, or ‘got up’; having a neat, spruce, or tidy appearance or effect.† c. ‘Tight’ (?), elegantly-shaped, well-made, handsome, good-looking. Obsolete.
a. Of things: chiefly in sense ‘neat, properly made and properly kept’; †formerly sometimes of dress, smart, pretty, beautiful.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > [adjective] > tidy
queemc1450
trig1513
trimc1521
neat1594
polite1602
terse1602
unlittered1612
ship-shape1644
snod1717
tight1720
redd1753
(as) neat (also clean) as a (new) pin1769
mack1825
tidy1828
slick1833
ship-shapely1843
trimly1858
taut1870
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [adjective] > fine, elegant, or smart
quaintc1330
nice1395
merryc1400
featc1430
elegant?c1500
mannerly1523
fine1526
neat1566
trim1675
smart1704
dressy1785
natty1794
good1809
dossy1889
dicty1932
whip-smart1937
zooty1943
sharp1944
preppy1963
c1521 J. Clerk to Wolsey in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 258 ij bokys..coverd with clothe off gold..the porteur, fascio[un] and tryme deckyng of the said bokis.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 246v Fillyng vp as trymme as a trencher ye space that stood voide.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 37 Ze [= ȝe] set on schone vpone his feit, The quhilk are trim and wounder meit.
1574 A. Golding tr. A. Marlorat Catholike Expos. Reuelation 37 This place of Paradise was better furnished and trimmer than other places.
1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses 232 I him gave a purple double vest, A sword, and coat edged with fringes trim.
1717 G. Berkeley Jrnls. Trav. Italy 16 May in Wks. (1955) VII. 268 Laurel hedges, but not so trim as ours.
1740 W. Somervile Hobbinol i. 150 See with what Pomp The gaudy Bands advance in trim Array.
1771 T. Pennant Tour Scotl. 1769 31 The gardens are..trim to the highest degree.
1789 F. Burney Diary 21 Aug. (1842) V. 54 Captain Molloy's large boat..was very trim and neat, and had all its rowers new dressed.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xxiii. 61 Mr. Chester..completely attired..in the trimmest fashion of the day.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 201 The large and stately mansions, the trim villas.
1885 J. Ruskin Præterita I. v. 168 The houses on each side with trim stone pathways up to them.
b. Of persons (rarely animals): Neat, ‘trig’, comely; neatly, smartly, or †finely dressed or adorned.
ΚΠ
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. vii. 50 The swyne is not the trymmer for the preciouse stones.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Trymme, bellulus, a, um; loke in trycke... Trymme wenche gorgiously decked, phalerata fœmina.
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 155 These paintings..whereby the said women think themselves more trim and beautiful.
1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 1247/1 A very trim woman, cultissima fœmina.
1876 M. M. Grant Sun-maid I. ii. 59 He was..rested from his long journey, trim, brushed, and polished.
1888 A. K. Green Behind Closed Doors iv. 51 A trim and quiet girl came tripping to the door.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily shape or physique > [adjective] > good
well-madec1325
well-setc1330
featous1340
largec1405
well-trussedc1425
well-attempereda1460
well-featureda1460
clean-limbed1461
well-bodied1481
well-drawn?a1534
clean-madea1535
trussed1548
clean-legged1568
trim1568
well-knit1581
well-thewed1583
well-timbered1595
clear-limbed1596
clean-timbered1598
well-mounted1607
well-turned1631
clever1674
neat-limbeda1697
well built1706
well-set-up1790
clean-built1840
athletic1925
mesomorphic1926
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > beauty of shape or form > [adjective] > specifically of persons
featous1340
well-featureda1460
formal1525
featured1567
trim1568
1568 T. Howell Newe Sonets (1879) 146 So streight, so square, so trym was he, So fayre of forme, so wyse, so sage.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball ii. i. 148 Iupiter..turned her into a trim heaffer.
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. viii. 304 In the day-time he shall see none but trim and beautifull women.
1640 R. Brome Sparagus Garden ii. ii I warrant you, is he a trim youth?
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Richard II lxxviii, in Poems (1878) III. 156 The Trimmest fellowes of this Regiment Envie'd the Gentry.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > very great or extreme > specifically of something bad or reprobated
woefula1400
mortalc1425
preciousc1475
fine1559
trim1569
gay1581
unconscionable1590
pocky1601
abominable1612
fearful1634
handsome1638
plaguey1694
dreadful1700
awfy1724
murrain1728
diabolical1750
deuced1782
dire1836
sinful1863
sodding1881
blooming1882
flaming1895
ruddy1896
abysmal1904
awful1916
hellishing1927
right1958
steaming1962
schwag1993
1569 J. Sanford tr. H. C. Agrippa Of Vanitie Artes & Sci. 14 b They..haue spoken of nothinge but trimme trifles.
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 9 Here was stuf gud plenti to furnish up a trim tragedi.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 66 Hath hee not made a trimme speake agaynst us?
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) iii. sig. Hh3v A trim purchase you haue made of your owne shame.
1619 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Maides Trag. ii. sig. E2 And theres Another of 'em, a trim cheating souldier, Ile maule that raschall.
1634 T. Heywood & R. Brome Late Lancashire Witches iii. sig. G O you are a trim mother are you not?
1680 T. Otway Hist. Caius Marius iv. 42 News, quoth a? trim News truly.
4. In parasynthetic combinations.
ΚΠ
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xv. 173 Then came the trim-hedged fields on either hand.
1873 B. Harte Dolly Varden in Fiddletown 87 Trim~bodiced, bright-eyed, roguish-lipped.
B. adv.† 1. = trimly adv. 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [adverb]
welleOE
sickerly1340
effectuallya1398
speedfully1398
effectuously1424
workingly?a1425
sickerc1450
trimly?a1513
trima1547
purposely1560
operatively1601
tightly1601
virtually1604
feckfullya1614
prevailingly1615
effectively1656
efficaciously1703
efficiently1828
tellingly1832
availingly1853
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [adverb] > and pleasing
comelyOE
winlyc1000
comelilyc1400
trimly?a1513
trima1547
sweetly1594
cleverly1697
nicely1714
tidy1824
sweet1846
wally1847
a1547 J. Redford Moral Play Wit & Sci. (1848) 37 His toong servth him now trym.
1549–62 T. Sternhold & J. Hopkins Whole Bk. Psalms xxxv. 26 Let not their hartes rejoyce and cry, There, there, this geare goeth trim.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 4 Be plainely taught, how good from naught, may trym [1580 trim] be tryed.
a1627 T. Middleton No Wit (1657) v. 114 Now the Bells they go trim, they go trim.
2. = trimly adv. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adverb] > neatly or trimly
feata1525
pickedlya1528
trimly1534
trim1544
netly1564
neata1578
neatly1577
smugly?1578
deftly1579
neatly1581
trickly1581
trick1594
sprucely1598
spruce?1605
comptly1611
snogly1615
spruntly1631
queemly1703
snodly1721
trigly1728
tidilya1756
natty1810
spick and span1815
tightly1825
featly1834
jemmily1837
nattily1849
dapperly1858
snappily1936
1544 R. Tracy Supplycacion to Kynge Henry VIII sig. Cvijv Tryme decked horses to ryde pompeousely lyke a lorde.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vi. sig. R2 A litle Gondelay, bedecked trim With boughes and arbours wouen cunningly.
1594 T. Lodge & R. Greene Looking Glasse sig. Cv Vnlesse you coy it trick and trim.
1615 R. Brathwait Strappado 190 A sumptuous graue, Which garnisht is without full tricke and trim.
1742 W. Collins Odes 42 Like a Bride so trim array'd.
Compounds
trim-cut, trim-dressed, trim-kept, etc., adjs.
ΚΠ
1813 W. Scott Bridal of Triermain ii. v. 61 Sick of flower and trim-dress'd tree, Long for rough glades, and forest free.
1861 W. M. Thackeray Four Georges i. 12 The trim-cut forest vistas.
1873 R. Broughton Nancy III. 9 The little trim-swept drive.
1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat 77 The trim-kept villas on the other side.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
trimv.
/trɪm/, U.S. /trɪm/ I. (Only Old English.)† 1. † b. (Early Middle English.) intransitive. To become pregnant, conceive; ? to bring forth. Obsolete. (Perhaps does not belong to this word.)
a. transitive. To make firm or strong; to strengthen, confirm; to give as security; to arm or array (a force); to settle, arrange; to encourage, comfort, exhort.
Π
a800 Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 430 Þæt he hiera geleafan trymede.
c840 in Kemble Cod. Dipl. II. 5 Ic Berhtwulf..ðas mine gesaldnisse trymme and fæstna in Cristes rode tacne.
c893 tr. Orosius Hist. iv. x. §2 Þæs on mergen Hannibal gefor to þære byrig, & beforan ðæm geate his folc getrymede, þe mon haett Collina... Ac hie hie butan þæm geate angean Hannibal trymedon.
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xv. 88 Ne ge ðone weall ne trymedon ymb hiera hus on ðæm dæge þe him nidðearf wæs.
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. John v. 31 gif ic cyðnisse ic trymmo [L. perhibeo] of mec.
971 Blickl. Hom. 91 Men gehyraþ myccle stefne on heofenum swylce þær man fyrde trymme & samnige.
OE Genesis 276 Þæt he west and norð wyrcean ongunne, trymede getimbro.
a1000 Ags. Ps. ciii. 15 Hlaf trymeð heortan mannes.
10.. Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 1052 Hi..geræddon þæt man tremede gislas on ægðer healfe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > conception > conceive [verb (intransitive)]
trima1325
conceivec1375
greatenc1390
to fall with child (also bairn)a1464
impregnate1711
start1846
catch1858
fall1891
click1936
to be caught out1957
to fall for ——1957
big1982
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1198 Ghe wurd wið childe, on elde wac, And trimede and cleped it ysaac.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1024 Bi ðan sal sarra selðe timen, Ðat ge [= she] sal of a sune trimen.
II. (Modern English.)† 2. To put into proper condition for some purpose or use; to prepare, make ready; to dress; to get (land) into condition for cropping, to till; to cultivate (a tree). Obsolete.† 4. To put (something broken, worn, or decayed) into good condition or working order; to repair, restore, put right. Obsolete.† 6. To provide or furnish with what is necessary for the purpose in view; to equip, supply. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivate or till [verb (transitive)]
begoc890
workOE
tillc1200
exercise1382
dightc1400
labourc1400
manure1416
cultive?1483
tilth1496
culture1510
trim1517
dress1526
subdue1535
toil1552
use1558
farm1570
cultivate1588
tame1601
husbandize1625
culturate1631
to take in1845
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > prepare for a purpose
aturnc1220
apparelc1250
dressc1330
updressa1400
trim1517
tew1571
mount1622
pretreat1926
1517 R. Torkington Oldest Diarie Englysshe Trav. (1884) 55 The bestys that we rode vpon, [were] ryght weke and ryght simple, and evyll trymed to Jorney with.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. lix. 80 He raysed an engyn in ye Castell, the which was not very great, but he trymmed it to a poynt [Fr. lattrempa bien et apoint].
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball vi. xxvii. 692 In Brabant..the Corriers and Leather dressers..do trimme and dresse Leather like Spanishe skinnes.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iii. iv. 57 He had not so trimde, And drest his land as we this garden. View more context for this quotation
1645 in W. M. Williams Ann. Founders' Co. (1867) 98 Thomas Embry..did trim and make up Brass Works for persons not free of the Company.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 77 Casks..which their Coopers assisted us to trim, season, and fit up.
3. To fit out (a ship, etc.) for sea. archaic. spec. †to caulk, clean, and dress a ship's bottom: see quot. 1711 (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > fit out or equip
ship1052
graith1297
tackle1486
trimc1513
equip1574
outred1577
to fit out1670
c1513 E. Howard in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 147 Ther be redy..a c. shippes of warre..they be very well trymmed and will not faill to comme owte and fight with us.
1525–6 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 221 Our..Sovereyn Lorde shall within fewe yerys loose his seyd Shypps..except they be new kalkyd and trymmyd.
1542 N. Vyllagon Lamentable & Piteous Treat. in Harleian Misc. (1808) I. 235 Seuen galleyes stronge and well trymmed.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. viii The Arsenal,..into which are hayled vppe and trymmed the gallies and other vessels.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. ii. 81 As rau'nous Fishes doe a Vessell follow That is new trim'd . View more context for this quotation
1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 165 To trim a Ship; to load and equip her, and put her into a condition for Sailing; also to calk, clean, and dress a Ship, and do any small matter in repairing her.
1850 J. S. Blackie tr. Æschylus Lyrical Dramas II. 258 Xerxes..Trimmed vain fleets for thy undoing.
ΘΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > mending or repairing > [verb (transitive)]
beetc975
menda1200
amenda1250
rightc1275
botcha1382
reparela1382
cure1382
repaira1387
dighta1400
emend1411
to mend up1479
restablishc1500
help1518
trimc1520
redub1522
reparate1548
accommodate1552
reinstaure1609
reconcinnate1623
to do up1647
righta1656
fixa1762
doctor1829
vamp1837
service1916
rejig1976
c1520 in J. T. Fowler Memorials Church SS. Peter & Wilfrid, Ripon (1888) III. 204 Will'mo Caruer tremyng dorythes & lokes & alias.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark i. f. 14 Who were also trymmyng and mendyng theyr nettes.
1589 J. Sparke in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 524 He trimmed the maine mast of the Iesus, which in the storme aforesaid was sprong.
a1628 J. Preston Breast-plate of Faith (1631) 114 Your soules need to be trimmed every morning as well as the body.
1633 A. Munday et al. Stow's Surv. of London (new ed.) 905/2 The repairing and trimming of this Church..was in the yeere of our Lord God 1600.
a1687 W. Petty Treat. Naval Philos. i. ii, in T. Hale Acct. New Inventions (1691) 124 All the forementioned Incurvations are to be trimmed and repaired by reconciled lines.
5. spec. To put (a lamp, fire, etc.) into proper order for burning, by removing any deposit or ash, and adding fresh fuel; also, to cleanse or cut level (a wick); by extension, to renew the burned-out carbons or electrodes of (an arc lamp). Also figurative.
ΘΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > trim or turn up
mend?1518
trim1557
to turn up1860
1557 Bible (Whittingham) Matt. xxv. 7 Then all those virgins arose, & trymmed their lampes [So Rhem. (1582) & 1611; Wyclif (1382) anourneden, (1388) araieden; Tindale (1526), Coverdale (1535), Great (1539), Bishops' (1568) prepared].
a1701 H. Maundrell Journey Aleppo to Jerusalem (1703) 70 The dayly employment of these Recluses is to trim the Lamps.
1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 2 Where chearful guests retire To pause from toil, and trim their evening fire.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. i. 12 Barnadine, believing the torch was expiring, stopped for a moment to trim it.
1819 J. H. Wiffen Aonian Hours (1820) 134 Vesper has trimmed up his lamp for the night.
1902 T. O'C. Sloane Standard Electr. Dict. App. Trimming, the renewal of the carbons in an arc lamp.
ΘΠ
the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide or supply (a person or thing) with anything > equip or outfit
frameOE
dightc1275
fayc1275
graith1297
attire1330
purveyc1330
shapec1330
apparel1366
harnessc1380
ordaina1387
addressa1393
array1393
pare1393
feata1400
point1449
reparel?c1450
provide1465
fortify1470
emparel1480
appoint1490
deck?15..
equip1523
trim1523
accoutre1533
furnish1548
accommodate1552
fraught1571
suit1572
to furnish up1573
to furnish out1577
rig1579
to set out1585
equipage1590
outreik1591
befit1598
to furnish forth1600
fita1616
to fit up1670
outrig1681
to fit out1722
mount?1775
outfit1798
habilitate1824
arm1860
to fake out1871
heel1873
1523 T. Wolsey in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) VI. 188 50,000 souldeours largely and plenteously furnished eskipped and trymmed.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Trymme a gardeyn wyth beddes.
1552–3 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 93 Cupid shalbe a letell boy howe mvst be tremmed with a bow and arrows blinfelde.
1557 Bible (Whittingham) Luke xxii. 12 Then he shal shewe you a great hie chamber trimmed [1611 furnished].
1634 J. Levett Ordering of Bees 20 Do you not usually dresse and trim your hives with some hony, or other sweet liquor, before you put any swarm into them?
1667 S. Pepys Diary 20 July (1974) VIII. 345 And..is married to him that is new come and hath new-trimmed the house.
7. To array, dress (const. in or with something); to make comely, adorn, dress up (also with out).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)]
wrya901
clothec950
shride971
aturnc1220
begoa1225
array1297
graith1297
agraithc1300
geara1325
cleadc1325
adightc1330
apparel1362
back1362
shape1362
attirea1375
parela1375
tirea1375
rayc1390
addressa1393
coverc1394
aguisea1400
scredea1400
shrouda1400
bedightc1400
buskc1400
harnessc1400
hatterc1400
revesta1449
able1449
dressa1450
reparel?c1450
adub?1473
endue?a1475
afaite1484
revestera1500
beclothe1509
trimc1516
riga1535
invest1540
vesture1555
suit1577
clad1579
investure1582
vest1582
deck1587
habit1594
to make ready1596
caparison1597
skin1601
shadow1608
garment1614
riga1625
raiment1656
garb1673
equip1695
to fit out1722
encase1725
tog1793
trick1821
to fig out1825
enclothe1832
toilet1842
to get up1858
habilitate1885
tailor1885
kit1919
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautify [verb (transitive)] > ornament > trim or deck out
perfurnish1375
enflourish?a1400
varnish14..
perform1420
to pick outc1429
polish?1440
trimc1516
to set out1523
trick?1532
face1542
trick1545
prank1546
tricka1555
bawdefy1562
tickle1567
prink1573
finify1586
deck1587
decore1603
betrima1616
fangle1615
beprank1648
prim1688
to garnish outa1704
decorate1782
to do off1794
dizen1807
tricolatea1825
fal-lal1845
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > in specific way > dress up or dress elaborately
disguisec1325
quaintisea1333
guisea1400
to dress up?a1513
deck?1521
garnisha1535
trim1594
gallant1614
sprug1622
dizena1625
to dress out1649
bedizen1661
rig1723
trim1756
bedress1821
gaudy1838
buck up1854
garb1868
clobber1887
mum1890
to do up1897
dude1899
toff1914
lair1941
c1516–21 Duke of Buckingham to Wolsey in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 216 He dowtid that I was not soo well trymmed as I wolde desir to be.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. ccxlvii. [ccxliii.] 759 All the armorers in London were sette a worke to trymme men in their harnesse for the iustes.
1557 Bible (Whittingham) Rev. xxi. 2 That holy citie..prepared as a bryde trymmed for her housbande.
1604 T. Wright Passions of Minde (new ed.) v. 151 Salomon..exhorteth vs..not to looke vpon a woman trimmed and decked vp.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 118 The Victim Ox..Trim'd with white Ribbons, and with Garlands drest. View more context for this quotation
1756 W. Dodd Nature of Fasting (ed. 2) 10 To be deck'd and trimm'd out..in the pride of dress.
1903 N. Munro in Blackwood's Mag. Jan. 81/1 She hastened to trim herself before the moon revealed her.
8. spec. To decorate (a hat, garment, etc.) with ribbons, laces, feathers, flowers, braids, embroideries, or the like, so as to give it a finished appearance; also, of a thing, to form the trimming of. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > tailor or make clothes [verb (transitive)] > trim
trim1547
1547 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 11 vj Black vellett Cappes..trymyd with damaske golde & Syluer.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. I2 And who reades Plutarchs eyther historie or philosophy, shall finde, hee trymmeth both theyr garments, with gards of Poesie.
1793 F. Burney Jrnls. & Lett. (1972) II. 129 Miss Kitty trimmed up her best Cap,—& tried it on.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice II. xvi. 189 When I have bought some prettier-coloured satin to trim it with fresh. View more context for this quotation
1859 Habits Good Society (new ed.) iv. 184 Her dress was white, trimmed down on either side with single roses.
1859 W. Collins Queen of Hearts I. 59 Trimmed with white braid.
9.
a. To dress (the hair or beard); to clip (the hair), or to clip the hair of (a person); sometimes, to shave (a person); also, to dub (a cock).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > beautify (the hair) [verb (transitive)] > cut
shearc897
shavec1320
topc1330
dockc1386
clipc1405
pollc1450
roundc1450
coll1483
cow?1507
not1530
trim1530
tonse1555
benotte1594
decurtate1599
scissora1625
to set upa1625
tonsure1793
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting or baiting animals > fighting between animals > fight between animals [verb (transitive)] > trim comb and wattles
trim1530
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 762/2 I trymme, as a man dothe his heare or his busshe... Trymme my busshe, barber, for I intende to go amongest Ladyes to day.
1592 J. Lyly Midas iii. ii How sir will you be trimmed? wil you haue your beard like a spade, or a bodkin?
1607 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1889) IV. 283 We present the barbr..for triming men in serves tyme vppon the Sabott Daye.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xix. 24 And Mephibosheth..had neither dressed his feete, nor trimmed his beard [ Coverdale (1535) combde, Great (1539) shauen, Geneva (1560), Bishops' (1568) dressed], nor washed his clothes. View more context for this quotation
a1625 in Strutt Sports & Past. (1801) iii. vii. §20 A dunghill cock, neatly cut and trimmed for the battle.
1652 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) I. 485 The Razors and Sizars hee Trimmed withall.
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. lxiv. 306 I sent for another barber, and suffered myself to be trimmed.
1856 R. W. Procter Barber's Shop (1883) xxi. 203 The era of the flying barbers, when shops were few, and gentlefolk were trimmed at home.
b. figurative or in figurative context. To cheat (a person) out of money; to ‘fleece’. slang.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > perpetrate (a swindle) [verb (transitive)] > defraud or swindle
defraud1362
deceivec1380
plucka1500
lurch1530
defeata1538
souse1545
lick1548
wipe1549
fraud1563
use1564
cozen1573
nick1576
verse1591
rooka1595
trim1600
skelder1602
firk1604
dry-shave1620
fiddle1630
nose1637
foista1640
doa1642
sharka1650
chouse1654
burn1655
bilk1672
under-enter1692
sharp1699
stick1699
finger1709
roguea1714
fling1749
swindle1773
jink1777
queer1778
to do over1781
jump1789
mace1790
chisel1808
slang1812
bucket1819
to clean out1819
give it1819
to put in the hole1819
ramp1819
sting1819
victimize1839
financier1840
gum1840
snakea1861
to take down1865
verneuk1871
bunco1875
rush1875
gyp1879
salt1882
daddle1883
work1884
to have (one) on toast1886
slip1890
to do (a person) in the eye1891
sugar1892
flay1893
to give (someone) the rinky-dink1895
con1896
pad1897
screw1900
short-change1903
to do in1906
window dress1913
ream1914
twist1914
clean1915
rim1918
tweedle1925
hype1926
clip1927
take1927
gazump1928
yentz1930
promote1931
to take (someone) to the cleaners1932
to carve up1933
chizz1948
stiff1950
scam1963
to rip off1969
to stitch up1970
skunk1971
to steal (someone) blind1974
diddle-
1600 Wisdome Doctor Dodypoll v. sig. H3 The Marchant I perceiue hath trimde you Doctor, And comb'd you smoothelie.
1604 Newes from Hell sig. C1 Thou wouldst neuer haue gone to any Barbers in London..but haue bin trimd only there, for they are the true shauers, they haue the right Neapolitan polling.
1903 J. S. Farmer & W. E. Henley Slang VII. ii. 205 Trim, to cheat.
a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) I. vi. 95 Guileful women, bent on trimming him for anything from a piece of plated jewelry to a saucer of ice cream, had led him to believe that..walls of virtue tottered and fell.
1926 Flynn's 16 Jan. 639/1 I had simply trimmed a sucker for a few kale seeds.
1940 P. G. Wodehouse Eggs, Beans & Crumpets 155 Hearing her elders discuss..some burgeoning scheme for trimming the investors.
1955 Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. No. 24. 94 Some of the big circuses carried their own whiz mobs to trim the crowds along the way.
1962 J. Ludwig in R. Weaver Canad. Short Stories (1968) 2nd Ser. 254 Didn't she know he was going to get trimmed? But what did she care about money by that time?
c. figurative. To reduce the size, amount, or number of; to eliminate (wasteful expenditure); to reduce the profits of. Also absol. originally U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > curtail > of something superfluous
prune1565
to cut back1943
trim1966
society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > moderation or reduction in expenditure > spend money sparingly [verb (transitive)] > reduce expenditure
retrench1626
to cut down1857
to cut back1943
trim1966
1966 Wall St. Jrnl. 21 Nov. 2/2 General Motors Corp. will reduce previously scheduled overtime next month and trim its daily car production pace 3.7%.
1970 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 26 Sept. 33/2 If you really want to trim expenses, you can rent a camper.
1976 National Observer (U.S.) 13 Nov. 12/2 There is the argument over dollar levels of U.S. spending and what waste might be trimmed from the budget as well as what new items should be included.
1979 Daily Tel. 8 Nov. 21/1 Readicut trimmed. Readicut International reveals a 32·5 p.c. drop in interim pre-tax profits.
1981 Times 17 Apr. 1/4 British forces on the Continent are likely to be trimmed.
1982 Times 9 Jan. 17 (heading) American Telephone trims to compete.
10. figurative. To beat, thrash, trounce; to defeat; also, to reprimand, reprove, upbraid, scold (cf. ‘to give one a dressing’).Apparently at first an ironical use of sense 2, but afterwards often with allusion to 8, 9 or other sense: cf. the ironical use of dress v. 12, array v. 10. With quots. a1529, 1638, cf. trim-tram n.
ΘΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > beating or repeated striking > beat [verb (transitive)] > specifically a person
to-beatc893
threshOE
bustc1225
to lay on or upon?c1225
berrya1250
to-bunea1250
touchc1330
arrayc1380
byfrapc1380
boxc1390
swinga1400
forbeatc1420
peal?a1425
routa1425
noddlea1450
forslinger1481
wipe1523
trima1529
baste1533
waulk1533
slip1535
peppera1550
bethwack1555
kembc1566
to beat (a person) black and blue1568
beswinge1568
paik1568
trounce1568
canvass1573
swaddle?1577
bebaste1582
besoop1589
bumfeage1589
dry-beat1589
feague1589
lamback1589
clapperclaw1590
thrash1593
belam1595
lam1595
beswaddle1598
bumfeagle1598
belabour1600
tew1600
flesh-baste1611
dust1612
feeze1612
mill1612
verberate1614
bethumpa1616
rebuke1619
bemaul1620
tabor1624
maula1627
batterfang1630
dry-baste1630
lambaste1637
thunder-thump1637
cullis1639
dry-banga1640
nuddle1640
sauce1651
feak1652
cotton1654
fustigate1656
brush1665
squab1668
raddle1677
to tan (a person's) hide1679
slam1691
bebump1694
to give (a person) his load1694
fag1699
towel1705
to kick a person's butt1741
fum1790
devel1807
bray1808
to beat (also scare, etc.) someone's daylights out1813
mug1818
to knock (a person) into the middle of next week1821
welt1823
hidea1825
slate1825
targe1825
wallop1825
pounce1827
to lay into1838
flake1841
muzzle1843
paste1846
looder1850
frail1851
snake1859
fettle1863
to do over1866
jacket1875
to knock seven kinds of —— out of (a person)1877
to take apart1880
splatter1881
to beat (knock, etc.) the tar out of1884
to —— the shit out of (a person or thing)1886
to do up1887
to —— (the) hell out of1887
to beat — bells out of a person1890
soak1892
to punch out1893
stoush1893
to work over1903
to beat up1907
to punch up1907
cream1929
shellac1930
to —— the bejesus out of (a person or thing)1931
duff1943
clobber1944
to fill in1948
to bash up1954
to —— seven shades of —— out of (a person or thing)1976
to —— seven shades out of (a person or thing)1983
beast1990
becurry-
fan-
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or defeat
shendc893
overwinOE
overheaveOE
mate?c1225
to say checkmatea1346
vanquishc1366
stightlea1375
outrayc1390
to put undera1393
forbeat1393
to shave (a person's) beardc1412
to put to (also at, unto) the (also one's) worsec1425
adawc1440
supprisec1440
to knock downc1450
to put to the worsta1475
waurc1475
convanquish1483
to put out1485
trima1529
convince1548
foil1548
whip1571
evict1596
superate1598
reduce1605
convict1607
defail1608
cast1610
banga1616
evince1620
worst1646
conquer1655
cuffa1657
trounce1657
to ride down1670
outdo1677
routa1704
lurcha1716
fling1790
bowl1793
lick1800
beat1801
mill1810
to row (someone) up Salt River1828
defeat1830
sack1830
skunk1832
whop1836
pip1838
throw1850
to clean out1858
take1864
wallop1865
to sock it to1877
whack1877
to clean up1888
to beat out1893
to see off1919
to lower the boom on1920
tonk1926
clobber1944
ace1950
to run into the ground1955
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)] > scold
chidec1230
ban1340
tongue1388
rate1393
flite14..
rehetec1400
janglec1430
chafec1485
rattle1542
berate1548
quarrel1587
hazen?1608
bequarrel1624
huff1674
shrewa1687
to claw away, off1692
tongue-pad1707
to blow up1710
scold1718
rag1739
redd1776
bullyraga1790
jaw1810
targe1825
haze1829
overhaul1840
tongue-walk1841
trim1882
to call down1883
tongue-lash1887
roar1917
to go off at (a person)1941
chew1948
wrinch2009
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Gii Tushe these maters..are but soppys in ale your trymynge and tramynge by me must be tangyd.
?1550 R. Weaver Lusty Iuventus sig. D.i Tell me..who it was, And I wyl trim the knaue by the blessed masse.
1638 J. Ford Fancies iii. 40 Sec. My Razer shall be my weapon, my Razer. Spa. Why? hee's not come to the honour of a Beard yet, he needs no shaving. Sec. I will trim him and tram him.
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random I. iii. 15 None of your jaw, you swab,..else I shall trim your laced jacket for you.
1822 W. Scott Fortunes of Nigel III. ix. 250 Some that remember..how I trimmed them about the story of hearkening behind the arras.
1882 I. Mayo Mrs. Raven's Temptation I. 232 Mrs. Raven stood trimming Worsfold and his wife about harbouring the woman.
1927 S. Lewis Elmer Gantry iii. 40 No, gee, Judson, I guess you got me trimmed!
1950 P. G. Wodehouse Nothing Serious 152 Surely..Rodney can trim a man with hay fever?
1977 Chicago Tribune 2 Oct. iii. 16/9 Grand Valley of Michigan piled up 324 yards rushing and 90 yards passing to trim Northeastern Illinois 34–12.
11.
a. To cut off the excrescences or irregularities of; to reduce to a regular shape by doing this. Also with the part removed as object. In quot. 1879 absol. Also with up. Also figurative.
ΘΠ
the world > space > shape > symmetry or regularity > make symmetrical [verb (transitive)] > reduce to a regular shape by cutting
trim1594
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > in specific way > dress up or dress elaborately
disguisec1325
quaintisea1333
guisea1400
to dress up?a1513
deck?1521
garnisha1535
trim1594
gallant1614
sprug1622
dizena1625
to dress out1649
bedizen1661
rig1723
trim1756
bedress1821
gaudy1838
buck up1854
garb1868
clobber1887
mum1890
to do up1897
dude1899
toff1914
lair1941
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > cutting > cut [verb (transitive)] > cut off or away (with an instrument) > reduce by cutting away
eaveseOE
clipc1175
parec1300
forcec1440
trim1594
shrip1609
whittle1837
whittle1972
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits ix. 120 A wodden chest knobby and nothing trimmed on the outside.
1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 60 in Sylva Trim up your Palisade Hedges, and Espaliers.
1761 C. Churchill Apol. 18 See tortur'd Reason how they pare and trim, And, like Procrustes, stretch or lop the limb.
1879 R. Browning Ivan Ivanovitch in Idyls I. 36 His axe now trimmed and toyed With branch and twig.
1885 Law Times 79 187/2 The farmer has..no inclination..to trim the roadside hedges.
1891 Labour Commission Gloss. Trimming castings, the operation of trimming off with chisel and file the ‘runners’, i.e. rough edges of metal castings.
1893 J. A. Hodges Elem. Photogr. (1907) 105 The manner in which it [a print] has been trimmed and mounted.
b. transferred. See quots.
Π
1783 G. Cartwright Jrnl. 8 Oct. (1792) III. 29 As those birds [sc. eider-ducks] trim the shore along in the flight-times.
1895 I. K. Funk et al. Standard Dict. Eng. Lang. II. To trim the shore, to follow the shore-outline: said of fish.
1901 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Nov. 692/2 They [migrating birds] always ‘trim’ the shore—that is pass close over the headlands.
12. Carpentry. To bring (a piece of timber, etc.) to the required shape; spec. to trim in, to fit or frame (one piece) to or into another; cf. trimmer n. 4, trimming-joist (trimming n. Compounds 2).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > build or construct with wood [verb (transitive)] > trim, smooth, or plane
try1593
shoot?1677
traverse1678
trim1679
stick1703
dub1711
adze1744
to rough off1748
strike1842
jack-plane1861
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ix. 153 This Newel serves also for a Post to Trim the Stair-Case too.
1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 268 When Workmen fit a piece into other Work, they say they trim in a piece.
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §83 The whole properly trimmed (framed round, leaving a clear opening,) to the chimney shafts.
1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. Gloss. 1048 Trimmed, a piece of workmanship fitted between others previously executed, which is then said to be trimmed in between them.
13. Nautical.
a. To distribute the load of (a ship or boat) so that she floats on an even keel; in quot. 1580, to steady, as with cargo or ballast. to be trimmed (so much) by the head (or stern), to be built or laden so as to draw (so much) more water at the bows than at the stern (or the reverse).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > adjust ship's balance
trim1580
1580 H. Smith in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) ii. 470 With all hands she did lighten her sterne, and trimme her head.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. vi. 27 Trim the Boat is to keepe her stright [sic].
1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) i. ix. 18 That so the Body may be equally as it were poised, and ballanced, or trimmed, as the Watermen speak of their boats.
c1720 M. Prior Bibo & Charon 5 Trim the boat, and sit quiet, stern Charon replied.
1800 Local Act 39 & 40 Geo. III c. x §42 The Lighter trimmed so as to make the same swim at equal Marks at the Stem and Stern thereof.
1820 W. Scoresby Acct. Arctic Regions II. 475 For the purpose of trimming the ship more by the stern.
b. intransitive (for reflexive or passive) of a ship or boat.
ΚΠ
1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. I. ii. 21 While he had been sitting quiet and merely paddling,..the boat had trimmed well enough.
1889 J. J. Welch Text Bk. Naval Archit. i. 7 When the excess draft is aft,..the vessel is said to trim by the stern.
c. transferred. To adjust (the balance) so as to equalize it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > balance
peisea1382
counterpoise1393
counterweighc1430
ballast1611
evena1618
equilibrate1625
balance1634
poise1639
to hold scale with1650
weigh1697
equipoisea1764
trim1817
to even up1863
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. i. 338 How easily the balance among those powers might have been trimmed.
1840 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VII. liii. 23 The only way to secure the Macedonian ascendancy.., was to trim the balance of power.
1864 R. Cobden Speeches (1878) 492 I wanted to trim the scales to prevent there being an undue preponderance in favour of the other side.
14. Aeronautics.
a. To maintain or adjust the trim (sense 3) or inclination of (an aircraft or spacecraft, or part of one). Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > action of flying (in) aircraft > specific flying operations or procedures > [verb (transitive)] > adjust trim
trim1909
1909 Aero Manual 40 Some..device is necessary to damp any oscillations that may take place in the line of flight..but hand operation of the steering devices must also be used to ‘trim’ the machine occasionally.
1921 Discovery Apr. 95/2 When trimmed up by the bow, the airship will be found to ride satisfactorily.
1924 Flight 13 Mar. 149/2 The pilot trims the tail by operating a hand pump..to increase or decrease its angle of incidence.
1942 Tee Emm (Air Ministry) 2 85 If he trims it to fly at a certain speed and power, it should stay at that speed despite bumps.
1958 ‘J. Castle’ & A. Hailey Flight into Danger vii. 103 Put full flap on, bring your airspeed back to 110 knots and trim to hold you steady.
1976 B. Lecomber Dead Weight i. 12 I ease the throttles back a fraction and trim the nose a touch lower.
1978 Nature 5 Oct. 415/1 The spacecraft gyros were trimmed to the Ganymede celestial motion and Io was subsequently manoeuvered into the large slot.
b. intransitive (for reflexive or passive) of an aircraft.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > specific movements or positions of aircraft > fly [verb (intransitive)] > have trim maintained or adjusted
trim1921
1921 Techn. Rep. Advisory Comm. Aeronautics 1917–18 III. 1023 It should be noted that the ability to trim at high speeds is the one essential point of difference between a seaplane and a racing motor boat.
1923 Flight 31 May 295/2 In order..that the machine would trim correctly..the pilot was placed ahead of the wing, in which position he balances the rest of the machine.
15. Nautical.
a. To adjust (the sails or yards) with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship, so as to obtain the greatest advantage. Const. to. to trim by or on a wind, to set the sails so as to sail as nearly as possible against the direction of the wind: see by prep. 9, by adv. 1d. to trim full or sharp: see full adj. 10, sharp adv. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > trim sails
trim1624
1624 J. Smith Gen. Hist. Virginia ii. 24 Nor had we a Mariner nor any had skill to trim the sayles.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 42 All your Sheats, Brases, and Tackes are trimmed by a winde.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 17 Thus have you all the Sails trimm'd sharp, full, and by a Wind.
1670 J. Dryden & W. Davenant Shakespeare's Tempest i. 3 Trim her right afore the Wind.
1697 London Gaz. No. 3315/1 I crouded Sail to Leeward to him, trimming my Sails on a Wind tho' I went before it.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. v. 342 That which was the stern of the proa, now becomes the head, and she is trimmed on the other tack.
1836 H. Rogers Life J. Howe (1863) i. 8 The..dexterous pilot..will trim his sails to every variation of wind.
1899 F. T. Bullen Log of Sea-waif 336 A little south-easterly breeze sprang up, to which we trimmed the yards.
b. absol. or intransitive. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > adjust sails
trim1697
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World vi. 145 Next morning we again trimb'd sharp, and made the best of our way to the Lobos de la Mar.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 21 If the Wind and Tyde of Affairs prove too violent [printed voilent], he then certainly trims about.
1834 R. Mudie Feathered Tribes Brit. Islands I. 109 The kite feels the first action of the revolving air as if it were a breeze, trims to it, and is borne upward in a spiral.
1857 C. Gribble in Mercantile Marine Mag. (1858) 5 9 Trimmed on the starboard tack, and made all possible sail.
c. transferred and figurative. To turn, adjust, adapt. Frequently in to trim one's sails to the wind, to adapt oneself to circumstances.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > adaptation or adjustment > adapt or adjust [verb (transitive)] > bring into conformity > adjust to a standard or purpose
trick1552
just1558
tune1581
pitch1624
adjust1636
justen1659
trim1779
the world > action or operation > behaviour > adaptability to circumstances > adapt to circumstances [verb (intransitive)]
temporize1555
accommodate1597
localizea1631
to piece in1636
attemper1807
trim1888
adapt1910
reorient1916
adjust1924
to trim one's sails to the wind1928
to roll with the punches1956
1779 W. Cowper Pineapple & Bee 12 Having wasted half the day, He trimmed his flight another way.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. ix. 177 He could scarce have missed shipwreck, knowing..so little how to trim his sails to a court gale.
1867 R. W. Emerson May-day & Other Pieces 142 As the bird trims her to the gale, I trim myself to the storm of time.
1898 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. V. 958 We must trim our treatment according to the phases and peculiarities of the individual.
1928 L. Strachey Elizabeth & Essex viii. 112 Burghley, trimming his sails to the changing wind, thought it advisable..to take the side of Essex in the matter of the Spanish ransoms.
1934 J. E. Neale Queen Elizabeth xiv. 229 She preferred to trim the country's sails to the winds when and how they blew, rather than set them at once for a storm that might not come.
1940 F. L. Allen Since Yesterday x. 275 Fortune..trimmed its sails so skillfully to the winds of conservatism that it not only became a mine of factual material for future historians but subtly broadened reactionary minds.
16. To stow or arrange (coal or cargo) in the hold of a ship, or carry it to the hatches when discharging; also to shift (coal) in a ship's hold, etc.; also, to arrange (coal) as it is loaded on a truck. Cf. coal-trimmer n. at coal n. Compounds 5 .
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)] > load > arrange load
trim1797
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > place or put in a position [verb (transitive)] > in a place intended or adapted to receive a thing > stow a load in a ship's hold, etc.
trim1797
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > transport by water [verb (transitive)] > load or unload cargo > load a ship or a cargo > stow and arrange cargo
stivec1330
rummage1544
stow1555
steeve1669
trim1797
1797 J. Bailey & G. Culley Gen. View Agric. Northumberland 7 Trimming 2 s. 6 d. keelman's beer 1 s. 4 d. per chaldron.
1828 Joplin Views Currency 14 Corn can be warehoused at Hull, and trimmed and turned for about 2 s. per quarter per annum.
1838 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 1 397/1 The coals cannot be trimmed in the ships so fast.
1884 Manch. Guard. 24 Jan. 5/1 The cargo was properly stowed and trimmed.
1886 J. Barrowman Gloss. Sc. Mining Terms 68 To Trim, to arrange by hand the coals on a truck while being loaded.
17. † b. transitive. trim away: To waste (time) in indecision. Obsolete. rare.
a. intransitive (also with it). To modify one's attitude in order to stand well with opposite parties; to move cautiously, or ‘balance’ between two alternative interests, positions, opinions, etc.; also, to accommodate oneself to the mood of the times.
ΘΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > inconstancy > be inconstant [verb (intransitive)] > temporize or trim
to serve the time (also times)?1544
temporize1555
to turn the cat in the pan1622
trim1687
to sail with every (shift of) wind1710
to play (also work) both sides of the street1909
the world > action or operation > behaviour > adaptability to circumstances > adapt to circumstances [verb (intransitive)]
temporize1555
accommodate1597
localizea1631
to piece in1636
attemper1807
trim1888
adapt1910
reorient1916
adjust1924
to trim one's sails to the wind1928
to roll with the punches1956
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther iii. 110 [Non-resistance] A passive term which..trims betwixt a rebell and a king.
1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 514 Gross, fulsome juggling with their Duty, and a kind of Trimming it between God and the Devil.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew To Trim, to hold fair with both sides.
1766 Earl of March in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) II. 67 Lord Mansfield trimmed in his usual manner, and avoided declaring his opinion.
1888 J. W. Burgon Lives Twelve Good Men II. ix. 217 Nothing knew he..of a disposition to trim with the times.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > be irresolute about [verb (transitive)] > waste time in indecision
trim away1687
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther iii. 101 He who heard what ev'ry fool cou'd say, Wou'd never fix his thoughts, but trim his time away.
c. transitive. To modify according to expediency.
ΘΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > inconstancy > cause to become inconstant [verb (transitive)] > change according to expediency
trim1885
1885 Daily Tel. 6 Nov. (Cassell) Lord Hartington is not the sort of statesman to trim his opinions according to the expediency of conciliating or not conciliating.
Draft additions September 2019
Chiefly North American. To decorate or dress (a Christmas tree) with baubles, tinsel, lights, etc.
ΚΠ
1869 Demorest's Young Amer. Jan. 87/1 We strung great strings of holly-berries and made paper flowers to trim the tree.
1979 Washington Post 14 Dec. b3/5 They..used the solar-battery lights to trim a Christmas tree in the lobby.
2008 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 19 Dec. l6 We trim the tree on Christmas Eve while the kids squabble about who gets to put the star on top.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1579
adj.adv.?a1513v.a800- have have someone where one wants him
- have have where one wants her
- have have where one wants him
- have heard of
- have heavy miss of
- have hips
- have hollow leg
- have hollow legs
- have homage
- have hot pants
- have hot pants for a person
- have i-wald
- have ideas
- have in a hate
- have in a person's governing
- have in a string
- have in abomination
- have in chase
- have in chertee
- have in common
- have in contempt
- have in custom
- have in deliciis
- have in disdain
- have in estimation