from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Maim \Maim\ (m[=a]m), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Maimed} (m[=a]md);p.
pr. & vb. n. {Maiming}.] [OE. maimen, OF. mahaignier,
mehaignier, meshaignier, cf. It. magagnare, LL. mahemiare,
mahennare; perh. of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. mac'ha[~n]a to
mutilate, m[=a]c'ha to crowd, press; or cf. OHG. mang[=o]n to
lack, perh. akin to E. mangle to lacerate. Cf. {Mayhem}.]
1. To deprive of the use of a limb, so as to render a person
in fighting less able either to defend himself or to annoy
his adversary.
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By the ancient law of England he that maimed any man
whereby he lost any part of his body, was sentenced
to lose the like part. --Blackstone.
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2. To mutilate; to cripple; to injure; to disable; to impair.
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My late maimed limbs lack wonted might. --Spenser.
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You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops. --Shak.
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Syn: To mutilate; mangle; cripple.
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