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prim

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The definition of prim is a proper, precise and formal person.

(adjective)

An example of prim is a traditional fifties housewife who does not wear casual clothes, and instead is always dressed as if she is ready to leave the house.

See prim in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective primmer, primmest

stiffly formal, precise, moral, etc.; proper; demure

Origin: < ? MFr prim, prime, first (also sharp, thin, slender; hence, neat) < L primus, first: see prime

transitive verb, intransitive verb primmed, primming

to assume a prim expression on (one's face or mouth)

Related Forms:

primly adverb
primness noun

primary
primitive

See prim in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective prim·mer, prim·mest

a. Precise or proper to the point of affectation; excessively decorous.
b. Strait-laced; prudish.
Neat and trim: a prim hedgerow.

verb primmed primmed, prim·ming, prims

verb, transitive

To fix (the face or mouth) in a prim expression.
To make prim, as in dress or appearance.

verb, intransitive

To assume a prim expression.

Origin:

Origin: Possibly from obsolete prim, formal or demure person

Origin: , perhaps from Old French prin, first, delicate; see Prime

Related Forms:

primˈly adverb

primˈness noun

noun

A privet.

Origin:

Origin: Short for obsolete primprint

Origin: , of unknown origin

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