imping

2 definitions found

imping - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Imping \Imp"ing\ ([i^]mp"[i^]ng), n. [See Imp to graft.]
     1. The act or process of grafting or mending. [Archaic]
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     2. (Falconry) The process of repairing broken feathers or a
        deficient wing.
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  Imp \Imp\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imped; p. pr. & vb. n.
     Imping.] [AS. impian to imp, ingraft, plant; akin to Dan.
     ympe, Sw. ympa, OHG. impf[=o]n, impit[=o]n, G. impfen. See
     Imp, n.]
     1. To graft; to insert as a scion. [Obs.] --Rom. of R.
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     2. (Falconry) To graft with new feathers, as a wing; to
        splice a broken feather. Hence, [Fig.]: To repair; to
        extend; to increase; to strengthen; to equip. [Archaic]
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              Imp out our drooping country's broken wing. --Shak.
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              Who lazily imp their wings with other men's plumes.
                                                    --Fuller.
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              Here no frail Muse shall imp her crippled wing.
                                                    --Holmes.
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              Help, ye tart satirists, to imp my rage
              With all the scorpions that should whip this age.
                                                    --Cleveland.
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