prim1

[prim] /prɪm/
adjective, primmer, primmest.
1.
formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.
verb (used without object), primmed, primming.
2.
to draw up the mouth in an affectedly nice or precise way.
verb (used with object), primmed, primming.
3.
to make prim, as in appearance.
4.
to draw (one's face, lips, etc.) into a prim expression.
Origin
1675-85; origin uncertain
Related forms
primly, adverb
primness, noun
unprimmed, adjective
Synonyms
1. prissy, formal, rigid.
Antonyms
1. flexible.

prim2

[prim] /prɪm/
noun
1.
privet (def 1).
Origin
1565-75; shortening of earlier primprint privet < ?

prim.

1.
primary.
2.
primitive.
Examples from the web for prim
  • To ask this, both sides insist with prim faces, is entirely to miss the point.
  • Tract houses on prim lanes have been built over the original pasture.
  • But compared to the scrawny, chain-smoking veterans on his newsdesk he was in truth remarkably prim.
  • Too many dancers looked too prim and proper to be peasants and they seldom filled the stage with their energy.
British Dictionary definitions for prim

prim

/prɪm/
adjective primmer, primmest
1.
affectedly proper, precise, or formal
verb prims, primming, primmed
2.
(transitive) to make prim
3.
to purse (the mouth) primly or (of the mouth) to be so pursed
Derived Forms
primly, adverb
primness, noun
Word Origin
C18: of unknown origin
Word Origin and History for prim

1680s (v.) "to assume a formal, precise demeanor," perhaps from French prim "thin, small, delicate," from Old French prim "fine, delicate," from Latin primus "finest," literally "first" (see prime (adj.)). Later, "deck out, dress to effect" (1721). Attested as a noun from 1700. The adjective, the sole surviving sense, is from 1709. A cant word at first. Related: Primly; primness.

Related Abbreviations for prim

prim.

  1. primary
  2. primitive