gimp

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
  2. verb walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

Etymology

Attested since about 1660, perhaps from Dutch gimp or French guimpe, and likely from Old French guimpre, a variant of guipure, a kind of trimming. The regional sense of "gumption" is attested since about 1905, and may have developed due to the reinforced nature of gimp cord, or possibly the influence of the words gumption and gumph.

In classic literature

Synonyms

lameness, limping, gimpiness, gameness, claudication

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