v., n., & adj.
v. (trimmed, trimming) 1 tr. a set in good order. b make neat or of the required size or form, esp. by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts. 2 tr. (foll. by off, away) remove by cutting off (such parts). 3 tr. a (often foll. by up) make (a person) neat in dress and appearance. b ornament or decorate (esp. clothing, a hat, etc. by adding ribbons, lace, etc.). 4 tr. adjust the balance of (a ship or aircraft) by the arrangement of its cargo etc. 5 tr. arrange (sails) to suit the wind. 6 intr. a associate oneself with currently prevailing views, esp. to advance oneself. b hold a middle course in politics or opinion. 7 tr. colloq. a rebuke sharply. b thrash. c get the better of in a bargain etc.
n. 1 the state or degree of readiness or fitness (found everything in perfect trim). 2 ornament or decorative material. 3 dress or equipment. 4 the act of trimming a person's hair. 5 the inclination of an aircraft to the horizontal.
adj. 1 neat or spruce. 2 in good order; well arranged or equipped. in trim 1 looking smart, healthy, etc. 2 Naut. in good order. trimly adv. trimness n.
[ perh. f. OE trymman, trymian make firm, arrange: but there is no connecting evidence between OE and 1500 ]