from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Crimp \Crimp\ (kr[i^]mp), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Crimped}
(kr[i^]mt; 215); p. pr. & vb. n. {Crimping}.] [Akin to D.
krimpen to shrink, shrivel, Sw. krympa, Dan. krympe, and to
E. cramp. See {Cramp}.]
1. To fold or plait in regular undulation in such a way that
the material will retain the shape intended; to give a
wavy appearance to; as, to crimp the border of a cap; to
crimp a ruffle. Cf. {Crisp}.
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The comely hostess in a crimped cap. --W. Irving.
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2. To pinch and hold; to seize.
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3. Hence, to entrap into the military or naval service; as,
to crimp seamen.
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Coaxing and courting with intent to crimp him.
--Carlyle.
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4. (Cookery) To cause to contract, or to render more crisp,
as the flesh of a fish, by gashing it, when living, with a
knife; as, to crimp skate, etc.
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5. (Firearms) In cartridge making, to fold the edge of (a
cartridge case) inward so as to close the mouth partly and
confine the charge.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Crimping house}, a low lodging house, into which men are
decoyed and plied with drink, to induce them to ship or
enlist as sailors or soldiers.
{Crimping iron}.
(a) An iron instrument for crimping and curling the hair.
(b) A crimping machine.
{Crimping machine}, a machine with fluted rollers or with
dies, for crimping ruffles, leather, iron, etc.
{Crimping pin}, an instrument for crimping or puckering the
border of a lady's cap.
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