trim

trim [trim]

vt.

trimmed, trimming [via ME dial. < OE trymman, to make firm, set in order, array < trum, strong, firm: for IE base see TREE]

1. Obs. to prepare; fit out; dress

2. to put in proper order; make neat or tidy, esp. by clipping, lopping, etc. [to trim one's mustache]

3. to clip, lop, cut, etc.: often with off [to trim dead branches off a tree]

4. to cut (something) down to the required size or shape

5.

☆ a) to decorate or embellish as by adding ornaments, contrasting materials, etc. [to trim a Christmas tree]

b) to arrange an attractive display of merchandise in or on [to trim a store window]

6.

a) to balance (a ship) by ballasting, shifting cargo, etc.

b) to put (sails or yards) in order for sailing

7. to balance (a flying aircraft) by adjusting stabilizers, tabs, etc.

8. to modify according to expediency; adjust; adapt

9. Informal

a) to scold; chide; rebuke

b) to beat, punish, thrash, etc.

c) to defeat decisively

d) to cheat

vi.

1.

a) to change one's opinions or viewpoint so as to satisfy opposing factions, etc.; keep a middle-of-the-road policy; compromise

b) to change one's opinions or viewpoint opportunistically

2.

a) to keep in balance: said of a ship

b) to keep a ship in balance, as by adjusting the sails or yards

n.

1. order; arrangement; condition [in proper trim]

2. good condition or order [to keep in trim for sports]

3. equipment; gear; dress

4. a trimming by clipping, cutting, etc.

5.

☆ a) WINDOW DRESSING

☆ b) decorative molding or borders, esp. around windows and doors

☆ c) the interior furnishings or the exterior ornamental metalwork of an automobile

d) any ornamental trimming [a dress with lace trim]

6.

a) the condition of being ready to sail: said of a ship

b) the position of a ship in the water in relation to the horizontal, esp. a fore-and-aft horizontal axis

c) correct position in the water: a ship is in trim if stable and floating on an even keel, out of trim if not

d) the difference between the draft of a ship forward and the draft aft

e) the adjustment of the sails or yards in managing a ship

f) the degree of buoyancy of a submarine

7. the position of an airplane in relation to a fore-and-aft horizontal axis

8. something that is trimmed, as a section of FILM (n. 5a) cut out in editing

9. Obs. character ( of a person)

adj.

trimmer, trimmest

1. orderly; neat; tidy

2. well-proportioned; smartly designed

3. in good condition

adv.

trimmer, trimmest

in a trim manner

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trim one's sails

to adjust one's opinions, actions, expenditures, etc. to meet changing conditions

trimly

adv.

trimness

n.