Main Entry: ¹trim

Pronunciation: \ˈtrim\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): trimmed; trim·ming

Etymology: probably from Middle English *trimmen to prepare, put in order, from Old English trymian, trymman to strengthen, arrange, from trum strong, firm; probably akin to Old English trēo tree, wood — more at tree

Date: circa 1521

transitive verb 1 : to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments <trim the Christmas tree> <the coat was trimmed with fur>
2 a : to administer a beating to : thrash b : defeat <trimmed me at chess>
3 a : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping <trim the hedges> b : to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting <trim a budget> <trim down the inventory> c : to remove by or as if by cutting <trimmed thousands from federal payrolls — Grit>
4 a (1) : to cause (as a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers (2) : to adjust (as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward b : to adjust (as cargo or a sail) to a desired positionintransitive verb 1 a : to maintain neutrality between opposing parties or to favor each equally b : 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 trims badly>

— trim one's sails : to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions <compromise or trim your sails to suit the political winds — Philip Johnston>