GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Prime, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Primed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Priming.] [From Prime, a.]
   To apply priming to, as a musket or a cannon; to apply a primer to, as a metallic cartridge.
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   To lay the first color, coating, or preparation upon (a surface), as in painting; as, to prime a canvas, a wall.
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   To prepare; to make ready; to instruct beforehand; to post; to coach; as, to prime a witness; the boys are primed for mischief. [Colloq.]
   Thackeray.
   
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   To trim or prune, as trees. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
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   (Math.) To mark with a prime mark.
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   To prime a pump, to charge a pump with water, in order to put it in working condition.
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2.       
   Priming , n.
   The powder or other combustible used to communicate fire to a charge of gunpowder, as in a firearm.
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   (Paint.) The first coating of color, size, or the like, laid on canvas, or on a building, or other surface.
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   (Steam Eng.) The carrying over of water, with the steam, from the boiler, as into the cylinder.
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   Priming of the tide. See Lag of the tide, under 2d Lag. -- Priming tube, a small pipe, filled with a combustible composition for firing cannon. -- Priming valve (Steam Eng.), a spring safety valve applied to the cylinder of a steam engine for discharging water carried into the cylinder by priming. -- Priming wire, a pointed wire used to penetrate the vent of a piece, for piercing the cartridge before priming.
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