gimp1

[gimp] /gɪmp/
noun
1.
a flat trimming of silk, wool, or other cord, sometimes stiffened with wire, for garments, curtains, etc.
2.
a coarse thread, usually glazed, employed in lacemaking to outline designs.
Origin
1655-65; apparently < Dutch gimp < ?

gimp2

[gimp] /gɪmp/
noun, Chiefly Northeastern U.S.
1.
spirit, vigor, or ambition.
Origin
1900-05; origin uncertain

gimp3

[gimp] /gɪmp/
noun
1.
a limp.
2.
Usually Disparaging and Offensive. a term used to refer to a person who limps or is lame.
verb (used without object)
3.
to limp; walk in a halting manner:
a sprain that made her gimp for weeks.
Origin
1920-25, Americanism; origin uncertain
Related forms
gimpy, adjective
Usage note
When describing someone who is lame, gimp is used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting. But within the disability community, it is sometimes a term of self-reference.

gimp4

[jimp] /dʒɪmp/
adjective, Scot. and North England
1.
jimp.
Examples from the web for gimp
  • No other skills but to dance as a gimp flamenco dancer, and your polio-inflicted condition is suddenly worsening.
  • They can sew or tack on gimp, buttons, or other ornaments.
British Dictionary definitions for gimp

gimp1

/ɡɪmp/
noun
1.
a tapelike trimming of silk, wool, or cotton, often stiffened with wire
Word Origin
C17: probably from Dutch gimp, of unknown origin

gimp2

/ɡɪmp/
noun
1.
(US & Canadian, offensive, slang) a physically disabled person, esp one who is lame
2.
(slang) a sexual fetishist who likes to be dominated and who dresses in a leather or rubber body suit with mask, zips, and chains
Word Origin
C20: of unknown origin
Word Origin and History for gimp
n.

1925, "a crippled leg," also "a crippled person," perhaps by association with limp, or a corruption of gammy (see game (adj.)).

also gymp, ornamental material for trimming dresses, furniture, etc., 1660s, from French guimpe, Old French guimple "wimple, headdress, veil," from a Germanic source (cf. Old High German wimpal).

Slang definitions & phrases for gimp

gimp

noun
  1. A limp (1920s+)
  2. A lame person; crip: He'd just kick a gimp in the good leg and leave him lay (1920s+)
  3. Vitality; ambition: All he needs is a wife with some sense and some gimp (1901+)
verb

: The old guy was gimping across the street