A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1564-1585, 1662-1693
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Trimmer, Trymer, n. [e.m.E. trymmer (1518-19), trimmer (a1548) a canopy; Trim v.] a. One who inclines to one or the other side as expediency dictates. b. ? One who trims or clips the edges of coins. c. One who ? trims, ? clips, ? finishes (cloth, fleeces, etc.). —a. 1564 Oliphants xxxix.
This trimmer, being a brother of the Earl of Huntly's, could neither be ousted nor sqweezed 1684 Fountainhall Decis. I 314.
To stand indifferent trimmers in hoc statu belli was impossible, seeing those that were not for the King were in such a case against him 1689 Melville Corr.
We have intelligence that Athol men, … have declared for Dundee, but, … I can asure your lordship the trimmers are farr more dangerous … the trimming partie will … prove open enemies1693 Answer to Presbyterian Eloquence Pref. (see Whig n.).
Trimmers —b. a1585 Polwart Flyt. 813 (T).
Lieand lymmer, mony trimmer, I man skymmer in thy mowthe —c. 1662 Rec. Old Aberd. I 100.
That all sort of cloath lining and woolln haue thair stands about the cross … it is appoynted that the chapmen and trymers haue thair stands about the cross
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"Trimmer n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/trimmer>
