I. ˈgrin noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English grin, grine, grene, from Old English grin; akin to Middle English grane snare, noose
chiefly Scotland : snare , noose , trap
II. transitive verb
( grinned ; grinned ; grinning ; grins )
Etymology: Middle English grenen, from grin, grine, grene, n.
: trap
III. verb
( grinned ; grinned ; grinning ; grins )
Etymology: Middle English grennen, grinnen, from Old English grennian; akin to Old High German grennen to snarl, Old Norse grenja to howl, and probably to Old English grānian to groan — more at groan
intransitive verb
1. : to draw back the lips from the teeth (as of a dog in snarling or a person in laughter or pain) so as to show them ; especially : to do this in merriment or good humor (as in a broad smile)
2.
a. : to gape open : part
b. : to appear through interstices of a covering
sometimes the paint checks and lets the undercoat grin through
transitive verb
1. : to show (the teeth) usually in a grin or snarl
2. : to form or express by grinning
grinned reassurance to the frightened children
grinning a foolish grin
•
- grin like a cheshire cat
- grin on the other side of one's face
IV. noun
( -s )
1. : a facial expression produced by grinning
a grin of pain
especially : a broad toothy smile
2. : something exposed like the teeth in a grin: as
a. : an unfinished portion of baseboard exposed when a building settles
b. : a portion of the basic fabric of a rug exposed when the pile parts — compare grin vi 2b