1. n.1 any usu. tropical tree of the family Palmae, with no branches and a mass of large pinnate or fan-shaped leaves at the top.
2 the leaf of this tree as a symbol of victory.
3 a supreme excellence. b a prize for this.
4 a branch of various trees used instead of a palm in non-tropical countries, esp. in celebrating Palm Sunday.
Phrases and idioms:
palm oil oil from the fruit of any of various palms. Palm Sunday the Sunday before Easter, celebrating Christ's entry into Jerusalem. palm wine an alcoholic drink made from fermented palm sap.
Derivatives:
palmaceous adj.
Etymology: OE palm(a) f. Gmc f. L palma PALM(2), its leaf being likened to a spread hand 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. the inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers.
2 the part of a glove that covers this.
3 the palmate part of an antler.
--v.tr. conceal in the hand.
Phrases and idioms:
in the palm of one's hand under one's control or influence. palm off
1. (often foll. by on) a impose or thrust fraudulently (on a person). b cause a person to accept unwillingly or unknowingly (palmed my old typewriter off on him).
2 (often foll. by with) cause (a person) to accept unwillingly or unknowingly (palmed him off with my old typewriter).
Derivatives:
palmar adj. palmed adj. palmful n. (pl. -fuls).
Etymology: ME paume f. OF paume f. L palma: later assim. to L