[damp] n [MD or MLG, vapor; akin to OHG damph vapor] (14c) 1: a noxious gas--compare black damp, firedamp
2: moisture: a: humidity, dampness b archaic: fog, mist 3 a: discouragement, check b archaic: depression, dejection
[2]damp vt (14c) 1 a: to affect with or as if with a noxious gas: choke b: to diminish the activity or intensity of "~ing down the causes of inflation" "liquid ~s out compass oscillations" c: to check the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
2: dampen ~ vi: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation [3]damp adj (1590) 1 a archaic: being confused, bewildered, or shocked: stupefied b: depressed, dull
2: slightly or moderately wet: moist; also: humid syn see wet -- damp.ish adj -- damp.ly adv -- damp.ness n