palm

I

[[t]pɑm[/t]]

n.

1) anat. zool. the part of the inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers

2) zool. the corresponding part of the forefoot of an animal

3) clo the part of a glove covering this part of the hand

4) wam

a) a unit of measure ranging from 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), based on the breadth of the hand

b) a unit of measure ranging from 7 to 10 inches (17.5 to 25 cm), based on the length of the hand

5) zool. the flat, expanded part of the antler of a deer

6)

a) navig. naut. the blade of an oar

b) navig. naut. the inner face of an anchor fluke

7) to conceal in the palm

8) to pick up stealthily

9) to hold in the hand

10) to impose (something) fraudulently:

to palm stolen jewels on tourists[/ex]

11) to touch or stroke with the palm or hand

12) spo to grip (a basketball) momentarily with the hand while dribbling: a rule violation

13) phv palm off, to foist upon someone, as by deception or fraud:

to palm off a forgery on a museum[/ex]

•

Etymology: 1300–50; ME paume, palme < MF < L palma, c. OE folm hand palm′er, n. II

palm

[[t]pɑm[/t]] n.

1) pln any of numerous plants of the palm family, most species being tall, unbranched trees surmounted by a crown of large pinnate or palmately cleft leaves

2) a leaf or branch of such a tree, esp. as formerly carried to signify victory

3) a representation of such a leaf or branch, as on a military decoration, indicating a second award of the decoration

4) victory; triumph; success

•

Etymology: bef. 900; ME, OE < L palma palm tree, palm I palm′like`, adj.