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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.

Trim, Trym, v. Also: trime, trimm-, trem, tream(e. [e.m.E. trym(m (c1513), trim (c1550), trem(m (1552-3), appar. OE trymman, trymian to make firm or strong, strengthen, settle, arrange (etc.).] tr. and intr.

1. tr. To adjust or adapt (something) in order to improve, refine or perfect it; to modify by cutting, smoothing out, etc. 1562-3 Winȝet II 59/30.
It is lesum that the auld doctrine of the heuinlie philosophie be proces of tyme be labourit, trimmit, and polisit, bot … aluterlie vnlesum that it be mankit or maid mutilat 1638 Fugitive Poetry II x 4/24.
The cowper, when he trimes his barrell bunges, Some clink lyk bells, and others drone lyk beeis

b. fig. To cut down to size. 1572 Sat. P. xxxi 135.
For, get that hous [sc. of Guise] thair hand abone thame, I wed my heid that thai sal tone thame, And trym thame for thair triks

2. a. To adjust the load of (a ship) so as to improve her stability. b. To adjust (the sails of a ship) so as to obtain maximum advantage from the wind and the ship's course.a. 1610 Crim. Trials III 104.
Haueing trymit ȝour said schip, and taiking saill and cours to the seis for catching of ȝour prayesb. 1622-6 Bisset II 244/28.
Ane schip … hiessis the saillis to go with the wynis and the maister and the maryneris trymmed nocht there saillis as it suld, and evill wedder tak theme

3. To remove (something) (off a place) so as to achieve greater neatness or tidiness. 1675 Kirkcaldy B. Rec. MS 15 Nov.
That all earth upon the quarrell at Dynekeir be trimed off it be the inhabitants

4. To adorn, array, dress. 1634 Rutherford Lett. (1675) 451.
Be content … to be adding and sowing to a pasment to your wedding garment, that ye may be at last decored and trimmed as a bride 1638 Beautie of the Remarkable Yeare 1638.
Nature hath spent her spirit for to trime her self with buskings

b. p.p. Furnished with a trimming. Cf. Trimmet ppl. adj. 16… Bk. Dunvegan 192.
Gloves … rich tremd with confirm 2 pair [£24 12 s. Scots] … tremed black for a minister a pair [£14 3 s. Scots]

5. ? To interfere with the positioning of (something); ? to damage (something) by cutting. 1688 E. Fife Admir. Depute Ct. Bk. 28 July.
The skaith to be sustained be any persone theron treameing and shakeing of his netts to be referrit to the sustainers owen conscience

6. intr. To incline to either of two opinions, sides, parties, etc., as expediency dictates. 1686 G. Stuart Joco-Ser. Disc. 39.
The lythning-listners with their leering … They caper'd not but smeuthly jimm'd, Like some I knaw on, when they trimm'd