to prime a pump

1 definition found

to prime a pump - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Prime \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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