I. ˈhwim also ˈwim noun
( -s )
Etymology: short for whim-wham
1. archaic : a fanciful or fantastic device, object, or creation
2. : a capricious or eccentric idea, notion, or vagary usually occurring suddenly or spontaneously : caprice , fancy
every royal master had whims of his own — antiquated prejudices, family ties, fragments of knowledge to which he attached exaggerated importance — A.J.P.Taylor
the whim struck him to become an army flier — Green Peyton
a defense of reason against unreason, conviction against whim , knowledge against mere shifting mood-of-the-moment — Alan Devoe
whims of nature
whims of fate
3.
a. or whim gin also whin -in : a hoisting device especially for raising ore or water from mines consisting of a large vertical drum on which a rope is wound with one or more radiating arms or beams to which a horse may be yoked — called also whimsy
b. Australia : a large jinker
II. transitive verb
( whimmed ; whimmed ; whimming ; whims )
: to desire fancifully or capriciously