palm 1
/pahm/ , n.
1. the part of the inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.
2. the corresponding part of the forefoot of an animal.
3. the part of a glove covering this part of the hand.
4. Also called sailmaker's palm . a stiff rawhide or metal shield worn over this part of the hand by sailmakers to serve as a thimble.
5. a linear measure of from 3 to 4 inches (7 1 / 2 -10 centimeters), based on the breadth of the hand.
6. a linear measure of from 7 to 10 inches (17 1 / 2 -25 centimeters), based on the length of the hand.
7. the flat, expanded part of the horn or antler of a deer.
8. a flat, widened part at the end of an armlike projection.
9. Naut.
a. the blade of an oar.
b. the inner face of an anchor fluke. See diag. under anchor .
c. (loosely) an anchor fluke.
10. a flat-topped bearing member at the head of a stanchion.
11. grease someone's palm , to give money to, esp. as a bribe: Before any work could begin, it was necessary to grease the superintendent's palm.
v.t.
12. to conceal in the palm, as in cheating at cards or dice or in juggling.
13. to pick up stealthily.
14. to hold in the hand.
15. to impose (something) fraudulently (usually fol. by on or upon ): to palm stolen jewels on someone.
16. to touch or stroke with the palm or hand.
17. to shake hands with.
18. Basketball. to grip (the ball) momentarily with the hand in the act of dribbling.
19. palm off , to dispose of by deception, trickery, or fraud; substitute (something) with intent to deceive: Someone had palmed off a forgery on the museum officials.
[ 1300-50; palma (c. OE folm hand); r. ME paume palma ]
palm 2
— palmlike , adj.
/pahm/ , n.
1. any of numerous plants of the family Palmae, most species being tall, unbranched trees surmounted by a crown of large pinnate or palmately cleft leaves. Cf. palm family .
2. any of various other trees or shrubs that resemble this.
3. a leaf or branch of such a tree, esp. as formerly borne to signify victory or as used on festive occasions.
4. a representation of such a leaf or branch, as on a military or other decoration of honor, usually indicating a second award of the decoration.
5. the reward of honor due to a victor: In oratory she yields the palm to no one.
6. victory; triumph; success: He carried off the palm by sheer perseverance.
[ bef. 900; ME, OE palma palm tree, special use of palma PALM 1 ]