Definition of "trim"

trim

/tɹɪm/

verb
third-person singular simple present trims, present participle trimming, simple past and past participle trimmed
1. (transitive) To reduce slightly; to cut; especially, to remove excess.
2. (transitive) To decorate or adorn; especially of a Christmas tree.
  Quotations
  A rotten building newly trimmed over.
  1649, J[ohn] Milton, ΕΙΚΟΝΟΚΛΆΣΤΗΣ [Eikonoklástēs] […], London: […] Matthew Simmons, […]
  I was trimmed in Madam Julia's gown.
  c. 1590–1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene iv]
  Seats are trimmed in a grey and blue moquette and tables are finished with grey Vyanide tops, gilt edging and ebony legs.
  1961 February, “New "Mini-Buffets" from Wolverton”, in Trains Illustrated, page 79
  The half-dozen pieces […] were painted white and carved with festoons of flowers, birds and cupids. […] The bed was the most extravagant piece. Its graceful cane halftester rose high towards the cornice and was so festooned in carved white wood that the effect was positively insecure, as if the great couch were trimmed with icing sugar.
  1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 1, in The China Governess‎
3. (transitive, aviation, of an aircraft) To adjust the positions of control surfaces, sometimes using trim tabs, so as to modify or eliminate the aircraft's tendency to pitch, roll, or yaw when the cockpit controls are released.
4. (transitive, nautical, of a vessel) To modify the angle relative to the water by shifting cargo or ballast; to adjust for sailing; to assume, or cause to assume a certain position, or trim, in the water.
  Quotations
  The captain made us trim the boat, and we got her to lie a little more evenly.
  1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London, Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883
5. (transitive, nautical, of a vessel's sails) To modify the angle (of the sails) relative to the wind, especially to set them at the most advantageous angle.
6. (dated) To balance; to fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favour each.
7. (transitive) To make trim; to put in due order for any purpose; to make right, neat, or pleasing; to adjust.
  Quotations
  The hermit trimmed his little fire.
  1766, [Oliver Goldsmith], The Vicar of Wakefield: […], volumes (please specify |volume=I or II), Salisbury, Wiltshire: […] B. Collins, for F[rancis] Newbery, […]; reprinted London: Elliot Stock, 1885,
8. (transitive, carpentry, of timber) To dress; to make smooth.
9. (transitive, dated) To rebuke; to reprove.
10. (transitive, dated) To beat or thrash.
11. (transitive, historical) To cut back the wick of (a lamp) to maintain a clean, bright flame.
  Quotations
  The lamp, or candle, which lights the binnacle, is placed in the cabin, of course the expence of one light is saved, and all the inconveniences of blowing out in a squally night, and likewise the trouble of trimming the lamp, are avoided.
  1811, The Tradesman, volume 7, page 420
12. (transitive, by extension) To change the carbon rods of (an arc lamp).
  Quotations
  To trim an arc lamp, first remove the old carbons and carefully and thoroughly wipe the carbon rods, holders, &c. with a clean, dry rag. […] Having cleaned the rods, next wipe out the globe and get ready the fresh carbons.
  1892, English Mechanic and World of Science, page 444
noun
countable and uncountable, plural trims
1. (uncountable) Decoration; especially, decoration placed along edges or borders.
2. (countable) A haircut, especially a moderate one to touch up an existing style.
3. Dress; gear; ornaments.
  Quotations
  seeing him just pass the window in his woodland trim
  1822, [Walter Scott], Peveril of the Peak. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), Edinburgh: […] Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co.
4. (countable) The manner in which something is equipped or adorned; order; disposition.
  Quotations
  The measure and whole trim of comeliness
  1614, George Chapman, Andromeda Liberata
5. (uncountable, aviation, of an aircraft) The state of adjustment of control surfaces such that the desired attitude can be maintained without requiring the continuous application of force to the cockpit controls.
6. (uncountable, aviation, by extension) The mechanism(s) used to trim an aircraft in roll, pitch, and/or yaw.
7. (uncountable, slang, mildly vulgar) Sexual intercourse.
  Quotations
  "Take me somewhere."His response lacked dignity, but in fairness to him I admit that I had left him little chance to be suave.He asked, "You mean, you’re going to give me some trim?"
  1969, Maya Angelou, chapter 35, in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings‎, New York: Bantam, published 1971, pages 239–240
8. (nautical) The fore-and-aft angle of the vessel to the water, with reference to the cargo and ballast; the manner in which a vessel floats on the water, whether on an even keel or down by the head or stern.
9. (nautical) The arrangement of the sails with reference to the wind.
adjective
comparative trimmer, superlative trimmest
1. Physically fit.
2. Slender, lean.
3. Neat or smart in appearance.
  Quotations
  […] manhood is melted into curtsies, valour into compliment, and men are only turned into tongue, and trim ones too: he is now as valiant as Hercules that only tells a lie and swears it.
  1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act IV, scene i]
  “A tight little craft,” was Austin’s invariable comment on the matron; and she looked it, always trim and trig and smooth of surface like a converted yacht cleared for action. ¶ Near her wandered her husband, orientally bland, invariably affable, […].
  1907 August, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, chapter IX, in The Younger Set, New York, N.Y.: D. Appleton & Company
adverb
not comparable
1. (nautical) In good order; properly managed or maintained.
2. (nautical) With sails well trimmed.

Definition of "trim"

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adjective

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adverb