n.
Pronunciation: ' trim
Function: verb
Inflected Form: trimmed ; trim · ming
Etymology: probably from Middle English *trimmen to prepare, put in order, from Old English trymian, trymman to strengthen, arrange, from trum strong, firm; probably akin to Old English tr ē o tree, wood ― more at TREE
Date: circa 1521
transitive verb
1 : to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments < trim the Christmas tree> <the coat was trimmed with fur>
2 a : to administer a beating to : THRASH b : DEFEAT < trimmed me at chess>
3 a : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping < trim the hedges> b : to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting < trim a budget> < trim down the inventory> c : to remove by or as if by cutting < trimmed thousands from federal payrolls ― Grit >
4 a (1) : to cause (as a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers (2) : to adjust (as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward b : to adjust (as cargo or a sail) to a desired position
5 : to adjust (as one's opinions) for reasons of expediency ― often used in the phrase trim one's sails
intransitive verb
1 a : to maintain neutrality between opposing parties or to favor each equally b : to change one's views for reasons of expediency
2 : to assume or cause a boat to assume a desired position in the water <a boat that trim s badly>
– trim one's sails : to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions