trim
Cross references:
1. neat
1. trim \'trim\ vb or trimmed; or trim.ming [(assumed) ME trimmen to
prepare, put in order, fr. OE trymian, ]trymman to strengthen, arrange, fr.
trum strong, firm; akin to Skt da-ru wood - more at TREE 1a: to embellish
with ribbons, lace, or ornaments : ADORN 1b: to arrange a display of goods
in (a shop window) 2a1: to administer a beating to : THRASH 2a2: to
defeat resoundingly {trimmed him at chess} 2b: CHEAT, SWINDLE 3a: to make
trim and neat esp. by cutting or clipping 3b: to free of excess or
extraneous matter by or as if by cutting {~)R a tree ~ a budget} 3c: to
remove by or as if by cutting 4a1: to cause (a ship or boat) to assume a
desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or
passengers 4a2: to adjust (as an airplane, blimp, or submarine) for
horizontal moveme nt or for motion upward or downward 4b: to adjust (as a
sail) to a desired position {~ cargo} 1a: to maintain neutrality between
opposing parties or to favor each equal ly 1b: 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 ~s badly}
2. trim aj or trim.mer; or trim.mest obs 1: EXCELLENT, FINE; also :
PLEASANT archaic 2: suitably adjusted, equipped, or prepared for service
or use exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or
structure {~ houses ~ figure} - trim.ly av
3. trim av : TRIMLY
4. trim n 1a: the readiness of a ship for sailing 1b: the readiness of a
person or thing for action or use : FITNESS 2a: one's clothing or
appearance 2b: material used for ornament or trimming 2c: the lighter
woodwork in the finish of a building esp. around openings 2d: the interior
furnishings of an automobile 2e: WINDOW DRESSING 3a: the position of a
ship or boat esp. with reference to the horizontal; (Xalso : the difference
between the draft of a ship forward and that aft 3b: the relation between
the plane of a sail and the direction of the ship 3c: the buoyancy status
of a submarine 3d: the attitude of a lighter-than-air craft relative to a
fore-and-aft hor izontal plane 3e: the attitude with respect to wind axes
at which an airplane will contin ue in level flight with free controls 4:
something that is trimmed off or cut out