I. ˈkrimp verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Dutch or Low German krimpen to shrink, shrivel; akin to Old Norse kreppa to clench — more at cramp
intransitive verb
: to acquire, assume, or exhibit a creased or wavy appearance : wrinkle
hair that crimps easily
transitive verb
1. : to cause to become wavy, crinkled, bent, or warped
lumber crimped by exposure to weather
as
a. : to wave or curl (hair) usually with a hot iron
b. : to cause the muscles of (a fresh fish) to contract by gashing or slashing ; also : gash , cut
c. : to fix (cloth) in small pleats or folds
d. : to form (leather) into a desired shape (as in making boot uppers or saddles)
e. : to give (synthetic fibers) a curl like that of natural fibers
f. : to draw or pinch in or together in glass manufacturing to form a neck, produce fluting, or set off a base (as in the making of a vase)
g. : to roll or curl the edge of (as a steel panel)
h. : corrugate
crimping sheet iron
2. : to close, unite, or make continuous by crimping, pinching together, or folding: as
a. : to fold inward (as the edge of a tin can or a shotgun shell) to retain a head or other cover
b. : to pinch or press together (as the margins of a pie crust) in order to seal
3. : to press in in order to contract (as the end of a pipe)
4. : to put a crimp in : cramp , inhibit
crimping sales by credit controls
stern knights crimped by their armor
II. noun
( -s )
1. : something produced by or as if by crimping: as
a. : a section of hair artificially waved or curled — usually used in plural
her head covered with crimps
b. : the succession of waves in wool fiber
a fine crimp is typical of the best wools
also : induced waviness of a synthetic fiber (as nylon)
c. : disordering of fibers in wood (as by too rapid drying)
d. : cramp II 1c
e. : the fold formed by crimping especially on a can or cartridge
f. : an offset in a structural steel member (as a web stiffener) that adapts it to fit over another member
g. : a slight bend or crease put in a playing card in order to identify it
2. : an interfering element : something that cramps or inhibits : obstacle , curb — used chiefly in the phrase put a crimp in
strikes last year put a serious crimp in production — Time
III. adjective
Etymology: perhaps from Low German krimp crooked, shrunken; akin to Low German & Dutch krimpen to shrink, shrivel
1. archaic : easily crumbled : friable
2. : crimped , crinkled
• crimp·ness noun -es
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Dutch or Low German krimp, perhaps from krimpen to shrink, shrivel
: an old game of cards
V. noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps from crimp (I)
: a person who entraps or forces men into shipping as sailors or enlisting in any army or navy against their will or while insensible — compare press gang
VI. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to trap into military or sea service : impress