from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Maim \Maim\, n. [Written in law language {maihem}, and
{mayhem}.] [OF. mehaing. See {Maim}, v.]
1. The privation of the use of a limb or member of the body,
by which one is rendered less able to defend himself or to
annoy his adversary.
[1913 Webster]
2. The privation of any necessary part; a crippling;
mutilation; injury; deprivation of something essential.
See {Mayhem}.
[1913 Webster]
Surely there is more cause to fear lest the want
there of be a maim than the use of it a blemish.
--Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
A noble author esteems it to be a maim in history
that the acts of Parliament should not be recited.
--Hayward.
[1913 Webster]