palm

[ pahm ]

/ pɑm /

noun

the part of the inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the bases of the fingers.

the corresponding part of the forefoot of an animal.

the part of a glove covering this part of the hand.

Also called sailmaker's palm. a stiff rawhide or metal shield worn over this part of the hand by sailmakers to serve as a thimble.

a linear measure of from 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), based on the breadth of the hand.

a linear measure of from 7 to 10 inches (17.5 to 25 cm), based on the length of the hand.

the flat, expanded part of the horn or antler of a deer.

a flat, widened part at the end of an armlike projection.

Nautical.

the blade of an oar.
the inner face of an anchor fluke.
(loosely) an anchor fluke.

a flat-topped bearing member at the head of a stanchion.

verb (used with object)

to conceal in the palm, as in cheating at cards or dice or in juggling.

to pick up stealthily.

to hold in the hand.

to impose (something) fraudulently (usually followed by on or upon): to palm stolen jewels on someone.

to touch or stroke with the palm or hand.

to shake hands with.

Basketball. to grip (the ball) momentarily with the hand in the act of dribbling.

Verb Phrases

palm off, to dispose of by deception, trickery, or fraud; substitute (something) with intent to deceive: Someone had palmed off a forgery on the museum officials.

Idioms for palm

grease someone's palm, to bribe: Before any work could begin, it was necessary to grease the superintendent's palm. Also cross someone's palm.

Origin of palm

1300–50; < Latin palma (cognate with Old English folm hand); replacing Middle English paume < Middle French < Latin palma

Words nearby palm

pallidum, pallium, pallor, pally, pally up, palm, palm bay, palm beach, palm beach gardens, palm berry, palm cabbage

British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (1 of 2)

palm ¹

/ (pɑːm) /

noun

the inner part of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers Related adjectives: thenar, volar

a corresponding part in animals, esp apes and monkeys

a linear measure based on the breadth or length of a hand, equal to three to four inches or seven to ten inches respectively

the part of a glove that covers the palm

a hard leather shield worn by sailmakers to protect the palm of the hand

the side of the blade of an oar that faces away from the direction of a boat's movement during a stroke
the face of the fluke of an anchor

a flattened or expanded part of the antlers of certain deer

in the palm of one's hand at one's mercy or command

verb (tr)

to conceal in or about the hand, as in sleight-of-hand tricks

to touch or soothe with the palm of the hand

Word Origin for palm

C14 paume, via Old French from Latin palma; compare Old English folm palm of the hand, Greek palamē

British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (2 of 2)

palm ²

/ (pɑːm) /

noun

any treelike plant of the tropical and subtropical monocotyledonous family Arecaceae (formerly Palmae or Palmaceae), usually having a straight unbranched trunk crowned with large pinnate or palmate leaves

a leaf or branch of any of these trees, a symbol of victory, success, etc

merit or victory

an emblem or insignia representing a leaf or branch worn on certain military decorations

Word Origin for palm

Old English, from Latin palma, from the likeness of its spreading fronds to a hand; see palm 1

Medical definitions for grease someone's palm

palm

[ päm ]

n.

The inner surface of the hand that extends from the wrist to the base of the fingers.

Idioms and Phrases with grease someone's palm (1 of 2)

grease someone's palm

Also, oil someone's palm or hand. Give someone money in exchange for a favor; also, bribe someone. For example, If you want you luggage to make the plane, be sure to grease the porter's palm. This term uses grease in the sense of “enrich.” [First half of 1500s]

Idioms and Phrases with grease someone's palm (2 of 2)

palm

In addition to the idiom beginning with palm

palm off

also see:

cross someone's palm
grease someone's palm
itchy palm

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

palm

noun

verb (used with object)

Verb Phrases

Idioms for palm

Origin of palm

Words nearby palm

British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (1 of 2)

noun

verb (tr)

Word Origin for palm

British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (2 of 2)

noun

Word Origin for palm

Medical definitions for grease someone's palm

n.

Idioms and Phrases with grease someone's palm (1 of 2)

Idioms and Phrases with grease someone's palm (2 of 2)

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

palm

noun

verb (used with object)

Verb Phrases

Idioms for palm

Origin of palm

Words nearby palm

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []) .push({}); British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (1 of 2)

noun

verb (tr)

Word Origin for palm

British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (2 of 2)

noun

Word Origin for palm

Medical definitions for grease someone's palm

n.

Idioms and Phrases with grease someone's palm (1 of 2)

Idioms and Phrases with grease someone's palm (2 of 2)

British Dictionary definitions for grease someone's palm (1 of 2)