trim

[[t]trɪm[/t]]

v. trimmed, trim•ming,

1) to put into a neat or orderly condition by clipping, paring, pruning, etc.:

to trim a hedge[/ex]

2) to remove (something superfluous or dispensable) by or as if by cutting (often fol. by off):

to trim off loose threads[/ex]

3) to cut down to required size or shape

4) aer. to level off (an airship or airplane) in flight

5)

a) naut. navig. to distribute the load of (a ship) so that it sits well in the water

b) naut. navig. to adjust (the sails or yards) with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship

6) to decorate or adorn with ornaments or embellishments

7) to arrange goods in (a store window, showcase, etc.) as a display

8) to prepare or adjust (a lamp, fire, etc.) for proper burning

9) inf to beat or thrash

10) to defeat

11) naut. navig.

a) naut. navig. to assume a particular position or trim in the water, as a vessel

b) naut. navig. to adjust the sails or yards with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship

12) to pursue a neutral or cautious policy between parties

13) to accommodate one's views to the prevailing opinion for reasons of expediency

14) the condition, order, or fitness of a person or thing for action, work, use, etc

15)

a) naut. navig. the set of a ship in the water, esp. the most advantageous one

b) naut. navig. the condition of a ship with reference to its fitness for sailing

c) naut. navig. the adjustment of sails, rigging, etc., with reference to wind direction and the course of the ship

16) a person's dress, adornment, or appearance

17) material used for decoration or embellishment

18) decoration of a store window for the display of merchandise

19) a trimming by cutting, clipping, or the like

20) cvb pri something that is or is intended to be cut off or eliminated, esp. the outer edges of a page of a book, magazine, or the like before folding or binding

21) aer. the attitude of an airplane with respect to all three axes, at which balance occurs in forward flight under no controls

22) bui finished woodwork or the like, as cornices, baseboards, or moldings, used as a decoration or border

23) aum ornamentation on the exterior of an automobile, esp. in metal or a contrasting color

24) pleasingly neat or smart in appearance:

trim lawns[/ex]

25) in good condition or order

26) (of a person) in excellent physical condition:

Swimming is a good way to keep trim[/ex]

27) slim; lean:

a trim figure[/ex]

28) Obs. good, excellent, or fine

29) trimly

•

- trim one's sails

Etymology: bef. 900; prob. continuing OE trymman, trymian to strengthen, prepare (not recorded in ME), der. of trum strong, active trim′ly, adv. trim′ness, n.