Scrimp (skrimp) a. and adv. [This and the related SCRIMP v. first appear in the 18th c. The origin is obscure; cognate forms are Sw., Da. skrumpen shrivelled, MIIG, schrimpfen (Mid. Ger. schrimpen str. vb.) to contract, trans. to wrinkle up (the nose), G. schrumpfen to shrivel; also SHRIMP sb., in ME., a diminutive creature. More remotely allied are OE scrimman to be paralysed, SCRAM a]
A. adj. Scant, scanty, meagre.
†B. adv. Scarcely, barely. Obs.
Scrimp (skrimp), v. Also Sc. skrimp. [See SCRIMP a.]
1. trans. To keep on short allowance; esp. with regard to food.
2. To cut short in amount; to be sparing of.
3. intr. To economize, to be niggardly.
Hence, SCRI•MPING vbl., sb. and ppl.a.
Scrimped (skrimpt), ppl. a. Also 8 Sc. scrimpit, -et. [f. SCRIMP v. +ED¹.] Stinted, contracted, narrow.
Scrimpiness (skri•mpines). [f. SCRIMPY a. + -NESS] “Scrimpy” quality, meagreness.
Scrimple, v. Obs. rare. [Cf. CRIMPLE v; also SCRUMPLE v. and G. schrumpfeln, schrumpfen] trans. To shrivel with fierce heat, to scorch. Also to crumple, crinkle. Hence Scri•mpled ppl. a.
Scrimply (skri•mpli), adv. [f. SCRIMP a. +-LY²]
1. In a niggardly, parsimonious manner.
2. Barely, scarcely.
Scrimpy (skri•mpi), a. [f. SCRIMP a. + Y.] Of meagre dimensions, scanty.
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2 comments:
I didn't know you could say "niggardly" anymore!
:>
-D
I didn't know we could use the word "niggardly" anymore!
:>
-The Enquiring Mind that wanted to Know
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