I. ˈtrim verb
( 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 trēo 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
II. adjective
( trim·mer ; trim·mest )
Date: circa 1521
1. obsolete : excellent , fine
2. : ready for service or use ; also : in good physical condition
keeps trim by jogging
3. : exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or structure
trim houses
• trim·ly adverb
• trim·ness noun
III. adverb
Date: 1529
: in a trim manner : trimly — used chiefly in combination
the trim -cut forest vistas — W. M. Thackeray
IV. noun
Date: circa 1593
1. : suitable or excellent condition
tries to keep in trim
2.
a. : one's clothing or appearance
b. : material used for ornament or trimming
c. : the woodwork in the finish of a building especially around openings
d. : the interior furnishings of an automobile
3.
a. : the position of a ship or boat especially with reference to the horizontal ; also : the difference between the draft of a ship forward and that aft
b. : the relation between the plane of a sail and the direction of the ship
c. : the buoyancy status of a submarine
d. : the attitude of a lighter-than-air craft relative to a fore-and-aft horizontal plane
e. : the attitude with respect to wind axes at which an airplane will continue in level flight with free controls
4. : something that is trimmed off or cut out
5. : a haircut that neatens a previous haircut