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prime (?), a. [F., fr. L. primus first, a superl. corresponding to the compar. prior former. See Prior, a.
| prime | (?), a. [F., fr. L. primus first, a superl. corresponding to the compar. prior former. See Prior, a., Foremost, Former, and cf. Prim, a., Primary, Prince.] 1.
First in order of time; original; primeval; primitive; primary. Prime forests. Tennyson.
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-She was not the prime cause, but I myself. Milton.
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| prime | (?), n. 1.
The first part; the earliest stage; the beginning or opening, as of the day, the year, etc.; hence, the dawn; the spring. Chaucer.
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-In the very prime of the world. Hooker.
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-Hope waits upon the flowery prime. Waller.
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2.
The spring of life; youth; hence, full health, strength, or beauty; perfection. Cut off in their prime. Eustace. The prime of youth. Dryden.
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3.
That which is first in quantity; the most excellent portion; the best part.
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-Give him always of the prime. Swift.
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4. [F. prime, LL. prima (sc. hora). See Prime, a.]
The morning; specifically (R. C. Ch.), the first canonical hour, succeeding to lauds.
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-Early and late it rung, at evening and at prime. Spenser.
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| prime | , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Primed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Priming.] [From Prime, a.] 1.
To apply priming to, as a musket or a cannon; to apply a primer to, as a metallic cartridge.
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2.
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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3.
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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4.
To trim or prune, as trees. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
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5. (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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| prime | , v. i. 1.
To be renewed, or as at first. [Obs.]
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-Night's bashful empress, though she often wane, |
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