Imp

Quick meaning: Imp is a verb meaning (figuratively, archaic) To graft or implant (something other than a plant); to fix or set (something) in.

Meaning

(figuratively, archaic) To graft or implant (something other than a plant); to fix or set (something) in.

More Meanings

1. To provide (someone or something) with wings, hence enabling them or it to soar.
2. To add to or unite an object with (something) to lengthen the latter out or repair it; to eke out, enlarge, strengthen.
3. A mischievous child.
4. A baby Tasmanian devil.
5. (falconry, veterinary medicine) To engraft (a feather) on to a broken feather in a bird's wing or tail to repair it; to engraft (feathers) on to a bird, or a bird's wing or tail.
6. (obsolete) To engraft or plant (a plant or part of one, a sapling, etc.).
7. (chiefly fiction and mythology) A small, mischievous sprite or a malevolent supernatural creature, somewhat comparable to a demon but smaller and less powerful, formerly regarded as the child of the devil or a demon (see sense 3.2).

Example Sentences

Bird rehabilitators borrow a trick from falconry with the age-old process of imping flight feathers on to a damaged bird.

With thee / Let me combine, / And feel this day thy victorie: / For, if I imp my wing on thine, / Affliction ſhall advance the flight in me.

"Yes, there are a great, great many coming after us; at least a score," said the lad.—"Well, that's the troll," said the horse; "he is coming after us with his imps."

It was as if there were little imps dancing in my mouth, and every so often, when a situation arose, they'd get together, giggle wickedly, and try to push words out of my open mouth.

Word Forms

• imps
• imping
• imped

Synonyms for imp

Depending on context, synonyms include brat, scamp, urchin, god, rascal, pixie.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include brownie, monkey, hob, pixy, scalawag, pixie.

Related Dictionary Tools