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单词 firm
释义

† firmn.1

Forms: pre-1700 firme, pre-1700 fyrme, 1800s firm (historical).
Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin firma.
Etymology: < post-classical Latin firma (see farm n.2). Compare earlier farm n.2
Scottish. Obsolete (historical in later use).
= farm n.2 (in various senses).Chiefly in translations and paraphrases of Latin documents.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > [noun] > yearly
farma1325
firm1500
1500 in R. W. Cochran-Patrick Charters of Friars Preachers of Ayr (1881) 67 The malis, firmeys, or annuallis of the said tenement.
1574 Edinb. Test. III. f. 99, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Firme, Fyrme To his said maister for his firmes of the crop.
1859 A. Jeffrey Hist. Roxburghshire III. iv. 111 He granted to Sir Robert Erskine £100 out of his firms in Aberdeen.
1875 W. McIlwraith Guide Wigtownshire 54 James III granted to his Queen the whole Lordship of Galloway, with the customs and firms of the burghs of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown, as well as the Castle of Thrieve.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2020; most recently modified version published online December 2020).

firmn.2

Brit. /fəːm/, U.S. /fərm/
Forms: 1500s firme, 1600s– firm. Also with capital initial.
Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Spanish. Partly a borrowing from Italian. Etymons: Spanish firma; Italian firma.
Etymology: Partly < Spanish firma signature (1206), and partly < Italian firma commercial enterprise, business (a1565), signature (1618), respectively < Spanish firmar to affirm, (specifically) to sign one's name (second half of the 10th cent.) and Italian firmare to sign one's name (a1566 in past participle firmato ), both < classical Latin firmāre to confirm, in post-classical Latin also to ratify, to guarantee (see firm v.).Compare Portuguese firma signature (1152; in later use also in the sense ‘commercial enterprise, business’). The Italian noun was also borrowed into other Germanic languages as a technical term in law and business; compare e.g. German Firma (early 18th cent. in the now obsolete sense ‘signature’, late 18th cent. in the now usual sense ‘commercial enterprise, business’), which was itself borrowed into Dutch as firma commercial enterprise, business (1806). With sense 1, compare the following early example of non-naturalized firma (perhaps < Portuguese firma signature) in an English context:1626 S. Purchas Pilgrimage (ed. 4) 526 The Articles..were confirmed by the Kings Firma.
†1. A signature; a person's name or mark written so as to authenticate a document, authorize a transaction, or identify oneself as the writer or sender of a letter. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > personal identification > signature > [noun]
sign manual1416
hand-writ1483
firm1574
signature1579
significature1625
subscripta1704
autograph1796
moniker1851
John Hancock1885
John Henry1914
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 410 This letter..is..without date or firme [Sp. firma].
1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 81 He..doth firme the petition with his own firme with red inke.
1688 London Gaz. No. 2354/2 He..puts the Grand Signior's Firm or Name to all Imperial Commands.
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 143 We order these Presents to be passed with our Royal Firm.
1755 N. Magens Ess. Insurances I. 304 The frequent knowledge we have of his Firm and Signature.
2.
a. The name under which the business of a commercial enterprise or company is transacted. Now chiefly in historical contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > name or appellation > [noun] > trade or proprietary name
corporate name1710
firm1744
trade name1890
proprietary name1898
proprietary term1915
brand-name1922
nameplate1972
banner1976
1744 in J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea (1753) II. vii. 33 We are come to the unanimous resolution of fixing one house, under the firm of messieurs Hanway and Mierop.
1786 A. M. Bennett Juvenile Indiscretions II. 135 He could not oppose the wishes of the respectable partners without altering the firm of the house.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 200 All we want to know, is the number of your note, and the firm of the house.
1861 G. Ross W. Bell's Dict. Law Scotl. (rev. ed.) 387/1 A proper or personal firm is a firm designated by the names of one or more of the partners..A descriptive firm has reference to some such circumstance as the place where the company is established, or the transactions in which it is engaged.
1864 C. E. L. Riddell George Geith I. ii. 9 Trading under the firm of ‘Grant & Co.’
2005 Florida Hist. Q. 83 290 On August 4, 1836, he was named along with former business partner Benjamin Hyde as ‘insolvent debtors’, formerly trading together under the firm of Hyde & Ruan at Taberg, Oneida County, N.Y.
b. In early use: an association of two or more people for the running of a business. Now more generally: a commercial enterprise, business, or company.Often with modifying word specifying the type of business, as in accountancy firm, investment firm, law firm, research firm, etc.: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > business affairs > a business or company > [noun] > a partnership
partnership1704
copartnery1733
firm1817
1761 Lord Colston Reporter 3 Dec. 7 Where such is the intendment of partners, a firm is always established, or it is expressly stipulated, that one of the partners may bind the others, by subscribing in a certain way.
1817 W. Selwyn Abridgem. Law Nisi Prius (ed. 4) II. 1065 An action brought by the other parties in the firm, for goods sold and delivered.
1870 C. Dickens Edwin Drood viii. 47 My small patrimony was left a part of the capital of the Firm I am with.
1882 W. Ballantine Some Exper. Barrister's Life viii. 81 A respectable firm of solicitors.
1934 H. L. Beales & R. S. Lambert Mem. Unemployed 158 When the firm went bankrupt I was discharged.
1997 Economist 22 Feb. 102/2 So-called ‘sub-prime’ lending has evolved into a huge industry and has spawned some of America's fastest growing financial firms.
2018 M. Obama Becoming viii. 97 The firm might want to recruit him for a full-time job once he had his law degree.
3. In extended uses. Cf. old firm n. at old adj. Compounds 4.
a. A group of people associated together in some way; a group of people working together; spec. (British Medicine slang) a group of hospital doctors working as a team, headed by a consultant (now dated).
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association for a common purpose > [noun] > for promotion of common interest
firm1795
combine1887
bloc1903
society > occupation and work > worker > [noun] > group of
firm1909
1795 W. Wilberforce in R. I. Wilberforce & S. Wilberforce Life W. Wilberforce (1838) II. xi. 71 Party of the old firm at the Speaker's; I not there.
1862 C. Merivale Hist. Romans under Empire VII. lx. 44 The plebeian emperor, the head of the Flavian firm.
1909 Westm. Gaz. 16 Aug. 7/3 The general surgical and medical work is in charge of a medical and surgical ‘firm’, each consisting of two visiting and one house physician or surgeon.
1933 J. Hilton Lost Horizon x. 218 Moderation, y'know—the motto of the firm.
1964 G. L. Cohen What's Wrong with Hospitals? vi. 125 Each consultant heads a firm usually comprising registrar and houseman, who get their own beds allocated en bloc.
1971 R. Busby Deadlock x. 159 Put in for a transfer to the Met, we could use a good man in my firm.
2017 @double_canister 5 Apr. in twitter.com (accessed 11 July 2019) So many pro-Liverpool media faces, and their ex players are like a family mafia, 100% loyal to the firm.
b. British slang. The management of a gambling establishment; the organizers of any kind of gambling game, esp. one that has been fixed or tampered with. Also more generally: a group of people involved in illicit or illegal activities; a criminal gang.
ΚΠ
1819 Metropolis (ed. 2) II. 209 He won a little money in Bennet Street, (where, to be sure, it seldom happens that any one, not of the firm, does win).
1838 Paul Pry 30 Sept. 179/4 Mr. Waller rose from the table..minus 63l. He has since been informed..that he had been robbed by the firm introducing loaded dice, by which it was actually impossible he could win.
1889 C. T. Clarkson & J. H. Richardson Police! xvi. 221 The ‘firm’—his own friends—keep filling up spaces, but when a ‘mug’ puts his sovereign on a white horse the whole of the vacant spaces are instantly filled by the ‘trotter's’ companions, the needle is spun, and, needless to say, it never stops in favour of an outsider.
1938 L. Ortzen Down Donkey Row i. 32 ‘The old firm,’ said he, ‘always there ter take yer com-commis-bets, and always 'ere to pay yer out’.
1968 Financial Times 7 Aug. 6/6 Cooper said he understood the profits would be split between himself, Kaufman and the Kray ‘firm’.
2000 J. J. Connolly Layer Cake (2004) 117 There was a dispute between two firms over there and one lot had to serve up this geezer's head in an icebox.
c. British slang. With the and capital initial. The British royal family. Also more fully the Royal Firm.
ΚΠ
1918 L. Greig Let. Oct. in G. Greig Louis & Prince (1999) ix. 146 We are..going on..towards Brussels where I think we may meet the Head of the Firm [George V] who is coming out. I hope to hand the young partner [Albert] onto him & get home.
1966 L. Mosley & R. Haswell Royals 140 She [sc. the Queen]—thank God—is Head of the Firm.
1984 Christian Sci. Monitor (Nexis) 5 Dec. 35 Theo Aronson's ‘Royal Family’ is an admiring history of the successful transition made by the British monarchy from the reclusive reign of Queen Victoria to the present highly visible ‘Royal Firm’.
2011 Independent on Sunday 24 Apr. (New Review) 17/2 Kate Middleton's family back-story and her pretty identifiable, aspirational just-modern-enough look are huge advantages in the job of updating the Firm.
d. British slang. With the and capital initial. The British Secret Intelligence Service; MI6. Formerly also: the Special Operations Executive.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service or police > British
Special Branch1883
security service1918
MI5?1921
MI6?1921
firm1952
the Circus1963
S.B.1964
six1969
1952 E. F. Davies Illyrian Venture ii. 35 Our organisation [sc. SOE], which was known as ‘The Firm’, had equipped a hut with every item of kit we were likely to want.
1964 G. Lyall Most Dangerous Game xxv. 218 He's one of the Firm... He's not going to talk.
1986 ‘J. le Carré’ Perfect Spy (N.Y. ed.) xvi. 441 In Berlin, the Firm had agents of influence, agents of disruption, subversion, sabotage and disinformation.
2015 Wall St. Jrnl. 10 Oct. c6/5 As it turns out, rumors of Mr. Forsyth's involvement with MI6 are partially founded. He did ‘good turns’ for ‘the Firm’ for over 20 years.
e. British colloquial. An organized group of football hooligans, joined in support of a particular club.In quot. 1983 in the name of one such group.
ΚΠ
1983 Guardian 5 Aug. 1/2 Mr Dickinson, aged 24, died in a pitched battle between fans from Arsenal..and a violent sub-group of West Ham fans, who called themselves the Inter City Firm.
1985 Guardian 16 Aug. 13/5 They call themselves firms... There's the Yids at Spurs who are quite well thought of.
2015 S. Redhead Football & Accelerated Culture iii. 27 The clubs themselves distance their institution from the firms in the strongest terms; it is the firms who claim club allegiance.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2020; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

firmadj.adv.

Brit. /fəːm/, U.S. /fərm/
Forms: Middle English–1500s ferm(e, 1500s fyrme, 1500s–1600s firme, 1500s– firm.
Etymology: Middle English ferme, < Old French (and French) ferme < Latin firmus.
A. adj.
1. Having a close consistence, of solid or compact structure or texture; not readily yielding to pressure or impact.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > hardness > types of hardness > [adjective] > firm
fastened?c1425
steadfast1477
firm1611
1611 Bible (King James) Job xli. 24 His heart is as firme as a stone. View more context for this quotation
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. i. iii. §5. 41 To drie vp the abundant slime and mudde of the earth, and make the land more firme.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 350 Down they light On the firm brimstone. View more context for this quotation
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World ii. 28 To case it all over with firm thick plank.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iii. ii. 24 Upon the firm Earth.
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art I. 5 Cast steel takes a fine firm edge.
1823 F. Clissold Narr. Ascent Mont Blanc 20 The surface of the snow was of so firm a consistence that [etc.].
1854 C. D. Badham Prose Halieutics 170 The flesh is rather too firm when fresh.
2. Securely or steadily fixed, not easily moved or shaken, stable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable
steady1530
stable1560
inconcussible1589
constant1596
firm1600
regular1632
trig1858
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable > firmly fixed
steadfast993
fastOE
rootfastlOE
sicker1297
sada1333
well-rooted1340
rooteda1393
surec1400
surefast1533
unremoved1551
fixed1577
implanted1595
firm1600
seateda1616
secure1675
tight1687
sitfast1837
locked1895
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > [adjective]
fastOE
sickera1400
branded1535
holdfast1567
firm1600
defixed1652
tight1687
anchored1789
well-reeved1812
hardfast1878
hand-tight1881
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 332 Yet though thou standst more sure then I could do, Thou art not firme enough. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. ii. 43 It is as possitiue, as the earth is firme . View more context for this quotation
1694 Narbrough's Acct. Several Late Voy. 46 They lie in Veins in the Earth, and in the firm Rocks.
1785 W. Cowper Task v. 156 So stood the brittle prodigy, though smooth And slipp'ry the materials, yet frost-bound Firm as a rock.
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. ii. 49 The glass was yet firm in the windows.
1896 N.E.D. at Firm Mod. Try whether the post is firm in the ground.
3. That does not shake, quiver, or waver; steady in motion or action; having control of the muscular forces of the body, not relaxed or nerveless.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > [adjective] > smoothly or steadily
steady1574
firm1614
sedate1684
unwaving1706
unvacillating1821
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable > steady
steady1574
firm1614
untottering1637
untumultuous1741
unshaking1818
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [adjective] > having specific manner of walking > with steady tread
firm1614
padding1684
unvacillating1821
steadyish1833
1614 Bp. J. Hall Recoll. Treat. iii. 102 This firme and beautifull light [the Sun].
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. i. 190 King Henry throwes away his Crutch, Before his Legges be firme to beare his Body. View more context for this quotation
1656 A. Cowley Davideis iii. 95 in Poems The Lyons royal whelp..leaves the rugged Bear for firmer claws.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 534 Him soon they met Under spred Ensignes moving nigh, in slow But firm Battalion. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 100 Upright he walks, on Pasterns firm and straight. View more context for this quotation
1809 J. Roland Amateur of Fencing 22 Extend the longe..provided you feel yourself firm and steady in that position.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales I. 273 I never heard but one woman who had so firm a touch [on the piano].
1840 Peter Parley's Ann. 176 A wise man's feet are always firm in the stirrup.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. iv. 120 O aged man, would that thy knees were firm As is thy purpose.
4. Healthy, robust; sound, undecayed. (Cf. infirm adj.) ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [adjective] > of health: good > healthy
wholeeOE
isoundOE
i-sundfulc1000
ferec1175
soundc1175
fish-wholea1225
forthlyc1230
steadfasta1300
wella1300
safec1300
tidya1325
halec1330
quartc1330
well-faringc1330
well-tempered1340
well-disposeda1398
wealyc1400
furnished1473
mighty?a1475
quartful?c1475
good1527
wholesomea1533
crank1548
healthful1550
healthy1552
hearty1552
healthsome1563
well-affected?1563
disposed1575
as sound as a bell1576
firm1577
well-conditioned1580
sound1605
unvaletudinary1650
all right1652
valid1652
as sound as a (alsoany) roach1655
fair-like1663
hoddy1664
wanton1674
stout?1697
trig1704
well-hained1722
sprack1747
caller1754
sane1755
finely1763
bobbish1780
cleverly1784
right1787
smart1788
fine1791
eucratic1795
nobbling1825
as right as a trivet1835
first rate1841
in fine, good, high, etc., feather1844
gay1855
sprackish1882
game ball1905
abled1946
well-toned1952
a hundred per cent1960
oke1960
the world > matter > condition of matter > state of being undecayed > [adjective]
fresheOE
soundc1290
uncorruptc1384
incorrupt1387
faira1400
recent?a1425
inconsumed1530
uncorruptedc1540
good1558
incorruptedc1593
square1628
undecayed1632
uncorroded1685
untarnished1732
unspoiled1733
unfailed1749
unwasted1758
firm1776
unspoilt1796
undegenerate1854
undeteriorated1856
unvitiated1864
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 124v Yf the Horse haue an ache [L. si febrit], giue it him with water, yf he be ferme [L. si non febrit], with good strong, Wine.
1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xvii. 348 Lamented Youth! in Life's firm Bloom he fell.
1776 G. Semple Treat. Building in Water 84 Those which were painted were all quite rotten, but those that were not painted continued firm.
1803 T. R. Malthus Ess. Princ. Population (new ed.) ii. iii. 217 In the firmest stages of life.
5.
a. Of non-material things: Fixed, settled, established. Of a decree, law, or sentence: Immutable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > [adjective] > founding or instituting > settled or established
rootfastlOE
stablec1290
institutec1325
sad1340
firmc1374
rooteda1393
stabledc1400
substantialc1449
well-foundeda1450
surec1475
standing1549
afloat1551
well-established1559
steadyc1571
naturalized1590
erected1603
established1642
instituted1647
settled1649
riveted1652
radicate1656
inrooted1660
institute1668
statuminated1674
planted1685
stablished1709
deep-seated1741
founded1771
set-up1856
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective] > established, settled
steadfast1258
groundlyc1275
stablec1290
firmc1374
well-groundeda1393
irradicate1436
well-fixed1567
statary1581
solid1586
confirmed1594
lodged1600
well-entrenched1661
substantive1809
corroborated1822
stabilized1887
society > law > rule of law > [adjective] > legally valid > not rescinded > not liable to be rescinded
firma1538
unavoidable1628
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. iii. vi. 78 I ne trowe nat þat þe pris and grace of þe poeple..ne is ferm perdurably.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xvi. 74 Þou..sall hafe were withouten ferme pees all way.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 11 The law of nature ys..in al cuntreys fyrme & stabul.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 173 We..promise to obserue and holde his deede firme and stable.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. iii. 82 Firme, and irreuocable is my doombe. View more context for this quotation
1625 C. Burges New Discouery Personal Tithes 64 If the Law bee..firme for Personal Tithes.
1660 J. Milton Readie Way Free Commonw. 5 The happiness of a nation must needs be firmest and certainest in a full and free Councel of their own electing.
1837 W. Whewell Hist. Inductive Sci. I. iv. iii. 301 This apotelesmatic or judicial astrology obtained firm possession of men's minds.
†b. Assured, secure (as a possession, etc.). Also of a person: Assured of a thing. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure > in secure custody or possession
lockedOE
sure1462
firm1483
securea1616
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective]
sickerc1100
bolda1300
surec1330
trist1340
certain1362
traista1400
tresta1400
ensurec1430
suredc1450
absolute1483
firm1483
resolute1501
assured1523
satisfied1533
unperplexed1558
unblanked1570
resolved1577
secure1578
clear1604
constant1611
ungravelled1611
confidenta1616
definitea1616
fearless1634
decretory1651
positive1658
unbrangled1671
cocksure1672
convinced1685
reliant1702
unbewildereda1807
positivistic1893
hensure1929
tooting1932
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [adjective] > promised or vowed > assured of a thing
firm1483
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > assured of possession
sickera1200
surec1330
firm1483
cocksure1520
safe1538
secure1605
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 285 b/1 They mette and were ferme of the lignage promysed.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) ix. 755 The king..Send hym to be in ferm [1489 Adv. ferme] keping.
1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 sig. E2 You shall haue your firme rewarde.
1671 tr. A. Charant Let. conc. Countrys King of Tafiletta 64 in tr. R. Fréjus Relation Voy. Mauritania He who was Governour at the time..did not..deliver it up to the King of Portugal, but kept it firm to the King of Spain.
1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews vii. ix, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 213 The Kingdom would be firm to him when David was dead.
†c. Well-ascertained, certain, sure. Of an argument: Well-founded, valid. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [adjective] > definite or determinate
firm1377
determinatec1386
certain1393
determinablec1400
precisec1443
finite1493
well-defined1551
definite1553
determined1570
set1594
perfixed1601
formed1605
punctual1615
well-marked1620
definitive1624
determinated1635
determinativea1676
clear-cut1843
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective]
wislyc1000
sickera1225
firm1377
unfailingc1400
decided1439
suredc1450
sure1470
infirmat1487
delivered1499
fast and sure1528
undeceivablea1535
undoubteda1535
certainc1540
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
constant1611
positivea1616
square1632
formal1635
unapocryphal1644
inconditional1646
inconditionate1654
undeceitful1673
unshakeable1677
unproblematic1683
unprecarious1688
unerring1697
safe1788
hard1791
unproblematical1792
decisive1800
dead-on1889
hands down1900
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective]
goodOE
substantial1419
soundc1440
allowablec1443
stronga1475
stable1481
infallible1526
sore1530
sincere1536
acknowledged1548
of…validity1581
firm1600
acknowledgeable1630
valiant1632
infallid1635
valid1651
copper-bottomed1890
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > [adjective] > marked by reason, well-reasoned
reasonablea1387
coherent1580
sharp1580
firm1600
sober1651
well-reasoned1661
close1670
serried1899
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective] > defined, well-formed
well-assureda1413
definite1553
firm1600
well-founded1608
stated1651
well-establisheda1685
ironclad1838
rock-bottom1889
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xii. 283 Þorough fuire is fullyng and þat is ferme bileue.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 494 Alleadgyng no firme, or honest proofe of ye crimes.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 52 There is no firme reason to be rendred why [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. viii. 36 If the drops of water comming from the roofes of houses do fall one agood while after another, he shall hold it for firme, that cold is neere at hand.
1694 R. South 12 Serm. II. 187 If the sole use of Words..were to inform the Person, whom we speak to, the Consequence would be firm and good.
6.
a. Of a person, his attributes, etc.: Immovable or not easily moved; constant, steadfast; unflinching, unshaken, unwavering; resolute, determined.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective]
fasteOE
stathelfasteOE
anredOE
hardOE
starkOE
trueOE
steadfast993
fastredeOE
stithc1000
findyOE
stablea1275
stathelyc1275
stiffc1275
stablec1290
steel to the (very) backa1300
unbowinga1300
stably13..
firm1377
unmovablea1382
constantc1386
abidingc1400
toughc1400
sure1421
unmoblea1425
unfaintedc1425
unfaint1436
permanent?a1475
stalwartc1480
unbroken1513
immovable1534
inconcuss1542
unshaken1548
stout1569
unwavering1570
undiscourageable1571
fixed1574
discourageable1576
unappalled1578
resolute1579
unremoved1583
resolved1585
unflexiblea1586
unshakeda1586
square1589
unstooping1597
iron1598
rocky1601
steady1602
undeclinable1610
unboweda1616
unfainting1615
unswayed1615
staunch1624
undiscourageda1628
staid1631
unshook1633
blue?1636
true blue?1636
tenacious1640
uncomplying1643
yieldless1651
riveting1658
unshakened1659
inconquerable1660
unyielding1677
unbendinga1688
tight1690
unswerving1694
unfaltering1727
unsubmitting1730
undeviating1732
undrooping1736
impervertible1741
undamped1742
undyingc1765
sturdy1775
stiff as a poker1798
unfickle1802
indivertible1821
thick and thin1822
undisheartened1827
inconvertible1829
straightforward1829
indomitable1830
stickfast1831
unsuccumbing1833
unturnable1847
unswerved1849
undivertible1856
unforsaking1862
swerveless1863
steeve1870
rock-ribbed1884
stiff in the back1897
the mind > emotion > courage > moral courage > stoicism > [adjective]
firm1377
steel-nerveda1400
stablec1440
stiff-upper-lipped1798
stiff-upper-lip1961
stiff-upper-lippish1963
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xv. 341 Wherfore folke is þe feblere and nouȝt ferme of bileue.
c1400 Rom. Rose 5229 If he be so ferme & stable, That fortune chaunge hym not.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xii. 43 Make thy selfe ferme wyth hope.
1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. i. v. f. xv Thairto gyf ferme credens.
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor iv. vi. 27 Her mother still against that match, And firme for Doctor Cayus.
1637 Decree Starre-Chamber conc. Printing xxiv. sig. G2v The Court doth hereby declare their firme resolution.
1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age ii. ii. iv. 239 The people of Liedge are very firme Roman Catholicks.
1751 T. Sharp in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) (Camden) 375 A firm and lasting friendship.
1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton Alice I. i. ix. 65 Lady Vargrave, though touched, was firm.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 225 Those classes which had been the firm allies of the monarchy.
1852 H. Rogers Eclipse of Faith 181 [They] were firm believers in the theory of ‘insight’.
1873 A. Helps Some Talk about Animals & their Masters i. 4 It is my firm belief that misfortune breeds boys without any superfluous assistance from parents.
b. Steadfast in attachment to (a person, cause, or the like).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > [adjective] > firm or constant
wholea1375
constantc1425
feal1568
handfast1578
blue?1636
firm1705
as true as flint1847
1705 Walsh Hor. Odes iii. iii. 2 The man that's resolute and just, Firm to his principles and trust.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 226 While the Parliament was so firm to the King.
1744 J. Thomson Winter in Seasons (new ed.) 212 Phocion the Good..To Virtue still inexorably firm.
c. Indicating steadfastness or resolution.
ΚΠ
1801 M. Edgeworth Prussian Vase in Moral Tales III. 19 ‘I am the young count..’, replied he, in a firm tone.
1844 tr. M. T. Asmar Mem. Babylonian Princess II. 253 The firm voice of the captain giving his orders.
1878 B. Taylor Prince Deukalion ii. iv. 81 Pity shines From those firm eyes.
7. Commerce.
a. Of prices: Maintaining their level; with no downward tendency. Of commodities: Not depressed in market value. Also transferred applied to the market, a season of trade, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > steadiness in price > [adjective]
hard1838
steady1857
firm1883
stiff1883
society > trade and finance > trading conditions > [adjective] > specific state of market
simplea1387
glutted1714
heavy1831
saturated1848
soft1849
hard1880
firm1887
market clearing1950
demand-led1981
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [adjective] > feeling or state of market
sensitive1813
bearish1827
light1827
quiet1833
easy1836
soft1849
weak1856
steady1857
buoyant1868
sick1870
swimming1870
featureless1879
bullish1882
firm1887
gravelly1887
technical1889
pippy1892
manipulated1903
thin1931
volatile1931
trendless1939
nervous1955
toppy1961
over-bullish1970
toppish1983
1846 Times 19 Nov. 6/2 The trade is very firm, and the prices of Friday are fully maintained.
1846 Times 30 Nov. 3/3 The wool trade is flat, and few sales can be effected, although prices are firm.
1883 Daily News 7 Nov. 4/7 American prices were firm.
1887 Daily News 7 June 2/6 English wheats in the country markets are somewhat irregular, though most generally firm.
1887 Times 25 Aug. 9/1 The Money Market has been a little less firm to-day.
1891 Daily News 23 Nov. 2/7 There is no probability of the market becoming weaker. Indeed, a continued firm winter and a good spring is looked forward to.
Categories »
b. a firm offer: one which the person making it is resolved not to increase.
†8. firm land n. (also firm-land) [= medieval Latin terra firma. French terre ferme.] Obsolete (as a recognized phrase) dry land, solid earth; the mainland (as opposed to an island), a ‘continent’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > land mass > mainland > [noun]
mainlandc1440
sure land1525
steadfast land1530
firm land1553
main1555
in-country1565
continent1576
fastland1581
firm1582
terra firma1665
the world > the earth > land > [noun]
landc900
groundOE
earthOE
dry landa1225
sandc1275
dry1382
continent1590
fastland1680
terra firma1692
region1697
firm land1872
1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India Pref. sig. aaviijv They see the continente or fyrme land, extended euen to the North Pole.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises v. f. 270v The South firme land, is called of some Magellanica.
a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Langs. & Relig. (1614) x. 77 Thus it is..in the firme Land of Asia: but in the Islands about Asia [etc.].
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 589 A frozen Continent..which on firm land Thaws not. View more context for this quotation
1682 G. Wheler Journey into Greece i. 22 It is joyned..to the Firm~land by a Woodden one [bridge].
1872 R. Browning Fifine lxxxii. 5 No more to do But tread the firmland, tempt the uncertain sea no more.
†9. elliptical quasi-n.= A. 8. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > land mass > mainland > [noun]
mainlandc1440
sure land1525
steadfast land1530
firm land1553
main1555
in-country1565
continent1576
fastland1581
firm1582
terra firma1665
1582 in R. Hakluyt Diuers Voy. sig. Hv No such Ilands may be found in the Scithian sea toward the firme of Asia.
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion ii. 32 Betwixt the fore-land and the firme, Shee [Wight] hath that narrow Sea, which we the Solent tearme.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey i. 19 Ashore on the firme of Asia.
B. adv.
1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adverb]
anredlyOE
fastlyOE
steadfastly?c1225
stifflyc1290
stably1297
steadfasta1300
stoutly1303
steevely1340
sadlya1375
sturdilyc1374
firm1377
surelyc1380
like a flint1382
tough1398
firmlyc1425
unmovablyc1425
but variancec1430
sad?c1430
immovably1435
toughlyc1450
affirmlya1513
wishly1530
constantly1534
steadily1540
fall back (also flat), fall edge?1553
staidly1571
fixedly1605
indeclinably1624
undeclinably1662
unfalteringly1665
unswervingly1805
unwaveringly1830
indomitably1837
rockily1846
unbendingly1847
indivertibly1853
unshakeablya1864
undyingly1881
unshakenly1882
adamantly1897
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xix. 116 That she furste and formest ferme shulde bilieue.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 127 Hee..firm believes. View more context for this quotation
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. viii. 142 The shorter all the Bearings of Timbers are, the firmer they Bear.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued I. i. xxvii That science must stand firmest which is built upon such an immovable foundation.
1801 R. Southey Thalaba II. xi. 263 Her rosy feet press firmer, as she leaps Upon the wing.
2. Chiefly in to stand firm (literal and figurative), and to hold firm (to).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > be faithful or loyal to [verb (transitive)]
teemc1275
to bear faithc1300
to hold firm (to)a1340
to stick to ——1531
to stick unto ——1531
to stick by ——1533
rely1582
to summer and winter1602
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > be constant or steadfast [verb (intransitive)]
standeOE
cleavec1275
to stand stiffa1290
stick1447
to stand or stick to one's tackling1529
to stand in this1538
to set down (the or one's) staff1584
to stand one's ground1600
to stand to one's pan pudding1647
to maintain one's ground1736
to nail one's colours (also flag) to the mast (also masthead)1808
to stay put1843
to stand firm1856
to sit tight1890
to keep the flag flying1914
to dig in one's toes1933
to hold the line1956
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xviii. 10 Þat þai be halden ferme.
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. i. f. 1v A right lyne is that which standeth firme betwene his extremes.
1611 Bible (King James) Josh. iv. 3 The place where the Priests feet stood firme. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) ii. i. 61 Heel'd make the Heauens hold firme The walls of thy deere Honour.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §900 Wee that hold firme to the Works of God.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 295 He an old tried Soldier stood firm.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vi. 106 I find the Englishman to be him of all men who stands firmest in his shoes.
1857 C. H. Spurgeon New Park St. Pulpit II. 132 Those who hold truth pretty firm and will not let it go.

Compounds

C1. Of the adjective.
a. with noun, as †firm-wood (used as an adjective). Also firm-land (see A. 8).
ΚΠ
1745 tr. L. J. M. Columella Of Husbandry iii. xvii Authors who denied that the upper firm-wood branch is fit for bearing fruit.
b. In parasynthetic adjectives.
firm-based adj.
ΚΠ
1820 J. Keats Hyperion: a Fragm. ii, in Lamia & Other Poems 175 My firm-based footstool.
firm-bodied adj.
ΚΠ
1915 D. H. Lawrence Rainbow xii. 315 She was firm~bodied as Diana.
firm-faced adj.
ΚΠ
1918 E. Pound Pavannes & Divisions 39 One of those firm-faced inspecting women.
firm-featured adj.
ΚΠ
1916 J. Joyce Portrait of Artist v. 273 Cranly's firm featured suffering face.
firm-framed adj.
ΚΠ
1877 W. Black Green Pastures & Piccadilly iii, in Examiner 20 Jan. 75/1 He was a bony, firm-framed young man.
firm-lipped adj.
ΚΠ
1921 W. de la Mare Crossings 27 Firm-lipped, round~browed, keen-eyed.
firm-minded adj.
ΚΠ
1913 J. Masefield Daffodil Fields 60 He should not have a woman sick with ghosts, But one firm-minded to be his.
firm-natured adj.
ΚΠ
1858 W. Bagehot Coll. Wks. (1965) I. 319 They [sc. Whigs] are emphatically pure-natured and firm-natured.
firm-nerved adj.
ΚΠ
1821 J. Baillie W. Wallace in Metrical Legends xxxvii The firm-nerved youth's exerted force.
firm-paced adj.
ΚΠ
1799 T. Campbell Pleasures of Hope & Other Poems 1 Firm-paced and slow, a horrid front they form.
† firm-proposed adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. ii. 329 The King hath graunted euery Article..According to their firme proposed natures. View more context for this quotation
firm-sinewed adj.
ΚΠ
1884 W. Black Judith Shakespeare viii His firm-sinewed figure.
firm-souled adj.
ΚΠ
1918 W. B. Yeats Per Amica Silentia Lunae xvi. 79 Some firm-souled man.
firm-textured adj.
ΚΠ
1855 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 9 Jan. in Eng. Notebks. (1997) I. ii. 151 I..found her sensible..and seemingly firm-textured, rather than soft and sentimental.
c.
firm-footed adj. spec. in Cricket = fast-footed adj. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > [adjective] > types of batting
cross-batted1577
steady1826
poking1836
free1851
wrist shot1851
fast-footed1853
wristy1867
stonewall1880
forcing1888
poky1888
firm-footed1907
back foot1936
1907 Westm. Gaz. 20 Aug. 3/2 A hitter of the firm-footed school.
1928 Daily Tel. 15 May 19/1 He attempts, firm-footed, to drive the ball which is pitched a couple of feet wide of the off-stump.
1961 Times 22 May 3/3 He lost Teague, bowled firm-footed.
firm-hoofed adj. having hoofs not cloven.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) > [adjective] > having undivided hoofs
whole-hoofed1553
whole-footed1607
firm-hoofed1646
solidungulous1650
soliped1656
solipedous1686
solidipedous1712
solidungular1819
solidungulate1839
solid-hoofed1842
solipedal1882
solid-hooved1910
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica vi. vi. 297 Solipes, or firme hoofed creatures, as Horses, Asses, Mules, &c.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. v. 286 Thy firm-hoofed [Gk. μώνυχας] coursers.
C2. Of the adverb with past participles, forming adjectives.
firm-braced adj.
ΚΠ
1867 R. W. Emerson May-day & Other Pieces 8 Firm-braced I sought my ancient woods.
firm-compacted adj.
ΚΠ
1777 R. Potter tr. Æschylus Tragedies 113 Their firm-compacted ships.
firm-planted adj.
ΚΠ
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. xii. 382 Oaks..Firm-planted.
firm-rooted adj.
ΚΠ
1818 Mrs. E. H. Iliff Poems (ed. 2) 97 Firm-rooted in the yellow sands.
firm-rootedness n.
ΚΠ
1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 587 The allusion..is to its firm-rootedness.
firm-set adj.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. i. 56 Thou sowre and firme-set Earth Heare not my steps. View more context for this quotation
1842 I. Williams Baptistery I. ii. 202 O firm-set, ever-during scene!
firm-written adj.
ΚΠ
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Henry V ccxv, in Poems (1878) IV. 154 Firme-written destinie Reverts the Breath of Kings.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

firmv.

Brit. /fəːm/, U.S. /fərm/
Forms: Middle English ferme, Middle English–1600s firme, 1500s fyrme.
Etymology: Partly < (either through French fermer or directly) Latin firmāre, < firmus firm adj.; partly a new formation on the adjective.
Now rare except in technical use.
1.
a. transitive. To make firm or fast; to set or fix firmly or securely; also, to hold (a thing) fast.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stabilize
stablea1300
firmc1374
establish1664
securea1741
stabilize1861
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stabilize > fix firmly in place
morec1300
ficchec1374
firmc1374
fix14..
staplec1400
stithc1480
perplant1548
settle1560
stay1565
lock1590
haft1755
sicker1824
brace1849
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > make fast [verb (transitive)]
fastenOE
firmc1374
comforta1382
to make (something) fasta1400
anchor1425
defix?a1475
harden?1523
steeve1554
lock1590
confixa1616
secure1615
succour1688
belay1751
sicker1824
snackle1887
the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > hold firmly, grip, or grasp
clipOE
agropeOE
gripec1175
clencha1300
umbegrip?a1400
clitchc1400
stablec1440
grappe?c1450
coll1490
spenda1500
strain1590
clutch1602
screw1617
fast-hand1632
grasp1774
nevel1788
firm1859
bear-hug1919
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) i. v. 14 Fastne and ferme thise erthes stable with thilke bonde by whiche thow gouerneste the heuene.
a1400–50 Alexander 1369 And þat [tower] he fiches & firmes sa fast to þe wall.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Gen. vii. 16 (Annot.) The dore..was to be firmed without..for better induring the forcible waters.
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xiii. 246 He..to a stone Turn'd all her sylvan substance; all below Firm'd her with roots, and left her.
1670 I. Walton Life J. Donne 77 in Lives The stones..were again by the masons art so levelled and firm'd, as they had been formerly.
1682 R. Boyle Contin. New Exper. Physico-mech.: 2nd Pt. 46 The Receiver seemed to admit the external Air..therefore I firmed the Cover with Turpentine.
1807 J. Barlow Columbiad vii. 278 They firm the base Of freedom's temple, while her arms they grace.
1859 R. C. Singleton tr. Virgil Aeneid vi, in tr. Virgil Wks. II. 70 With its griping fang The anchor firmed their ships.
1885 Birm. Weekly Post 7 Feb. 1/7 Keep spring flowers well firmed in the ground.
1890 A. Hosie Three Years W. China 166 Men..removing with their toes the weeds from the roots of the young shoots, and firming the latter in the ground.
†b. To fasten or fix (the eye) upon (something). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > stare or gaze at > fix (eyes) on
setc1330
firm1590
nail1591
stellc1817
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vii. sig. S As pilot..Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye.
†c. To steady, support. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)]
to bear upeOE
underbearc950
bearOE
holdc1000
weighc1200
to hold up1297
upholda1300
sustainc1330
undersetc1330
comforta1382
underbear1382
upbear1390
sustaina1398
upkeepc1412
carrya1425
supporta1425
chargea1500
convey1514
avoke1529
confirm1542
stay1548
to carry up1570
bolster1581
lift1590
upstay1590
atlas1593
sustent1605
statuminatea1628
firm1646
appui1656
establish1664
shoulder1674
to keep up1681
upheave1729
withhold1769
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica v. xvi. 258 The staffe of his [Christ's] direction, whereon if he firmeth himselfe, he may be able to overcom the billows of resistance. View more context for this quotation
2. To make firm in consistence; to compact, solidify.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > hardness > types of hardness > [verb (transitive)] > make firm
fastena1398
firmify1578
firm1579
confirm1663
jam1787
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 111 The force of the water..dyd firme and harden it, and made it growe so to Lande.
1607 B. Jonson Volpone ii. ii. sig. E3 The Poulder..clear'd her wrincles, firm'd her gummes, fill'd her skinne, colour'd her hayre. View more context for this quotation
1610 W. Folkingham Feudigraphia i. x. 24 Boggie and spungie grounds are..setled, fastened and firmed by frequent ouer-flowing them with Fords.
1757 J. Dyer Fleece iii. 90 Ever and anon, to firm the work, Against the web is driv'n the noisy frame.
1842 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 3 i. 125 By every means firm the land after wheat-sowing.
1882 Garden 18 Mar. 185/3 Plant carefully, well firming the soil about their roots with the hand.
1890 A. Hosie Three Years W. China 19 Drums for firming the paper as it comes from the pulp-troughs.
†3. transitive. To strengthen, make robust. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by good growth > flourish [verb (transitive)] > strengthen
fasten1577
firm1590
1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late ii. sig. L When in the Virgins lap earths comfort sleepes..Both corne and frutes are firmd.
†4. To establish, settle, confirm (a person, etc.); to strengthen (in resolution), encourage. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > resolve or decide upon [verb (transitive)] > cause to decide or make resolute
firm1303
formalize1599
determine1672
resolve1814
the mind > emotion > courage > encouragement > encourage or embolden [verb (transitive)]
hearteOE
bieldc897
hardenc1175
elnea1225
hardyc1225
boldc1275
hardishc1325
endurec1384
assurec1386
emboldc1400
recomfortc1405
enharda1450
support1479
enhardy1483
animatec1487
encourage1490
emboldishc1503
hearten1524
bolden1526
spright1531
raise1533
accourage1534
enheart1545
to hearten on1555
hearten?1556
alacriate1560
bespirit1574
bebrave1576
to put in heart1579
to hearten up1580
embolden1583
bravea1593
enhearten1610
inspiritc1610
rehearten1611
blood1622
mana1625
valiant1628
flush1633
firm1639
buoy1645
embrave1648
reinhearten1652
reanimate1655
reinspirit1660
to give mettle to1689
warm1697
to lift (up) a person's spirits1711
reman1715
to make a man of1722
respirit1725
elate1726
to cocker up1762
enharden1779
nerve1799
boost1815
brace1816
high-mettle1831
braven1865
brazen1884
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > strengthen or secure
comfortc1290
confirm1485
undergird1526
firm1639
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 9889 God ȝyue vs grace..Yn þe beleue to ferme vs ryȝt.
1639 G. Daniel Ecclus. xxii. 52 The heart Which firmed is by what the Wise impart, Fear cannot daunt.
1652 W. Brough Preservative against Schisme 38 Solid Knowledge will..Firme the Mind in Truth.
1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin iii. 171 Thy Valour firm'd the wavering Troops that day.
†5.
a. To make (an agreement, etc.) firm; to establish firmly, settle, strengthen. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > initiate [verb (transitive)] > found or establish
arear?a800
astellc885
planteOE
i-set971
onstellOE
rightOE
stathelOE
raisec1175
stofnec1175
stablea1300
morec1300
ordainc1325
fermc1330
foundc1330
instore1382
instituec1384
establec1386
firmc1425
roota1450
steadfastc1450
establishc1460
institute1483
to set up1525
radicate1531
invent1546
constitute1549
ordinate1555
rampire1555
upset1559
stay1560
erect1565
makea1568
settle1582
stablish1590
seminarize1593
statuminatea1628
hain1635
bottom1657
haft1755
start1824
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. viii. i. 40 Twa Erlys..Come chargyd in Scotland..To tret, and ferme a Marriage.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1801/2 It was further concluded also, that a peace should be firmed..betwixt the Realmes of England and Scotland.
1594 T. Lodge Wounds Ciuill War iii. i, in W. C. Hazlitt Dodsley's Sel. Coll. Old Eng. Plays (1874) VII. 135 And we will firm our honours by our bloods.
1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Divine Offices 486 These testimonies firm the comparison betwixt such persons and Adam.
1673 J. Dryden Amboyna ii. 11 Hold back your hand, from firming of your faith.
1729 R. Savage Wanderer i. 294 He won the Belgic Land..And firms the Conquest with his fenceful Mound.
1807 J. Barlow Columbiad ii. 74 Ten wide provinces..Bless the same king, and daily firm the sway.
†b. To make (a possession, title, etc.) sure; to assure, secure; also, to attach (a person) securely. Const. to, unto. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > transfer of property > transfer [verb (transitive)] > make title or possession secure
warrant?1475
firm1530
the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement with [verb (transitive)] > engage (a person)
ensurec1400
firm1530
wed1578
engage1603
ink1940
contract1961
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > make sure, secure [verb (transitive)]
fand1307
firm1530
to make sure1565
secure1601
warranta1616
assure1622
incertain1628
insure1686
sickera1693
ensure1744
seal1810
guarantee1820
ice1908
1530 R. Whitford Werke for Housholders (new ed.) E The blessynge of the parentes dothe fyrme and make stable the possessyons and the kynred of the chylder.
1624 T. Scott Belgick Souldier 18 That [he] be especially carefull to firme and contract unto himselfe..the King of Poland.
1664 J. Wilson Andronicus Comnenius v. iii Since your joint unanimous concent Has firm'd that title.
1669 J. Owen in T. Gale True Idea Jansenisme Pref. That ground shall be firmed to them speedily by new Briefs.
†c. gen. To ratify formally; to confirm. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > ratification or confirmation > confirm or ratify [verb (transitive)]
confirm1297
ratify1357
endoss1381
approve1413
roborate?a1475
establish1533
justify1596
firm1599
rate?1611
affeera1616
tie1623
convalidate1656
sanction1778
accredit1826
countersign1840
endorse1847
1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 15 When hee [sc. William I] firmed and rubrickt Kentishmens gauill kinde of the sonne to inherite at fifteene.
1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Divine Offices 435 Solemn leagues..solemnly firmed by oaths.
1685 J. Dryden Albion & Albanius i. 8 Jove has firm'd it with an Awfull Nod.
1712 A. Pope tr. Statius First Bk. Thebais in Misc. Poems 40 Be present still, oh Goddess!..Proceed, and firm those Omens thou hast made.
†6.
a. To make (a document) valid by authoritative seal, indorsement, signature, stamp, or the like; to subscribe, sign. Also, to firm with the hand.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal document > [verb (transitive)] > confirm by seal, stamp, or signature
subscribe?c1444
firm1510
1510 Will of Jamys Deram (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/16) f. 290 Fyrmed..wt my hand.
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 99 To firme it with the hand, is meere folly.
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 99 If..Catiline and other his fellowes had not firmed the letter of their coniuration.
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 369 I caused your bill to be firmed by the Quene.
1588 Ord. Spanish Fleet in Harl. Misc. (1744) I. 111 These my instructions are..firmed by my hand.
1613 J. Hayward William I in Lives III Normans 98 Charters and deeds..were firmed by the parties speciall seale.
1641 Rastell's Termes de la Ley (new ed.) f. 156v Writings..were wont to be firmed in England with Crosses of gold.
1690 J. Dryden Don Sebastian v. 120 Your Fathers hand: Firm'd with his Signet.
†b. To affix, ‘sign’ (one's name) to a document or writing. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > personal identification > signature > sign [verb (intransitive)]
subscribe?c1444
subscrive1445
firm1528
subsign1581
sign1600
society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > personal identification > signature > sign (a document) [verb (transitive)] > sign one's name
seta1400
to set toa1400
subscribe1415
subscribe1426
subscrive1445
firm1528
sign1599
1528 Will of Anthony Chew or Chio (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/23) f. 123 In witness whereof we..haue fyrmed our names.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias 153 He..firmed therevnto his name.
absolute.1528 Will of Anthony Chew or Chio (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/23) f. 123 Because here is noo space to fyrme on this side we haue fyrmed on the other side.1620 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes Don Quixote IV. ii. 10 Another shall firm for me.
7.
a. intransitive. To become firm.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > hardness > types of hardness > [verb (intransitive)] > become firm
firmify1578
firm1882
1882 Ogilvie's Imperial Dict. (new ed.)
1883 [see firming adj. at Derivatives].
1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire Firm, to grow firm. A cheese-making term.
b. Commerce. Of prices that vary with a market, as share prices, rates of exchange, etc.: to become firm (firm adj. 7a); to rise (slightly), esp. after being weak. Usually with up. Also figurative. Hence ˈfirming-up n.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > prices of stocks and shares > rise or tendency to rise
rally1826
results1829
bull run1882
buoyancy1883
firming-up1896
recovery movement1896
performance1926
upside1961
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (intransitive)] > state of market or prices > fall or rise (of prices)
to look downwards1796
to look downward1801
to look down1808
rally1826
sag1870
give way1883
slump1888
firm1896
move1904
spurt1931
perform1933
dip1956
to pull back1966
to go in the tank1974
1896 Pall Mall Gaz. 19 Aug. 5/1 Prices have subsequently firmed up in many instances.
1899 Daily News 30 Oct. 2/6 A gradual firming-up of prices.
1907 Daily Chron. 9 Dec. 1/7 One or two Argentine Rails firmed up.
1929 Daily Express 7 Nov. 2/7 Then all firmed up on trade and Cuban buying.
1938 Times 13 Apr. 20/3 Shortly before the close of business they firmed up considerably.
1952 Sat. Rev. (U.S.) 20 Sept. 9/3 The firming up of prices resulting from the impact effect of the deficit.
a1969 R. Williams in D. Knight 100 Years Sci. Fiction (1969) 305 The whole picture was beginning to firm up in my mind now.
1971 Daily Tel. 18 June 23/1 Eurodollar rates firmed up yesterday.
1971 Timber Trades Jrnl. 21 Aug. 34/1 The Scandinavian market, which has been fairly weak over recent months, is now showing faint signs of firming.
1986 Washington Post 17 Apr. e2/6 As the economy gathers more noticeable strength through the second half, these investment plans may firm up soon.
8. transitive. With up: to make firm (an agreement, etc.); to settle, establish, confirm. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement with [verb (transitive)] > make conclude or seal (an agreement)
binda1300
smitec1330
takec1330
ratify1357
knitc1400
enter1418
obligea1522
agree1523
conclude1523
strike1544
swap1590
celebrate1592
rate?1611
to strike up1646
form1736
firm1970
1970 Guardian 22 June 20/7 I..firmed it up with the ‘Statesman’.
1974 Economist 31 Aug. 48/1 The EEC is now preparing..to firm up its economic ties with..Greece and Portugal.
1979 S. Wilson Greenish Man 11 We'll firm up the deal later.
1983 Listener 10 Feb. 27/1 Like all comic draughtsmen he discovered running-gag characters who firmed up his style.

Derivatives

firmed adj. spec. in Falconry see quot. 1706.
ΚΠ
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 56 It [sc. a letter] had not come firmed or with superscription.
1625 R. Montagu Appello Cæsarem Ep. Ded. sig. av I did it with a firmed purpose to leave all Private Opinions.
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Henry IV ccclxv, in Poems (1878) IV. 92 Belgia, only (in a firmed state Wrought out by others) has been fortunate.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Firmed or full Firmed (in Falconry), well fledged or well cover'd with Feathers.
1852 P. J. Bailey Festus (ed. 5) 332 A vital wind invisible, Yet firmed and bounded in a beauteous form.
ˈfirming adj. (a) transitive. That confirms or ratifies. (b) intransitive. That is becoming firm: see firm adj. 7.
ΚΠ
1816 L. Hunt Story of Rimini iv. 96 A noble word! exclaimed the Prince, and smote Preparingly on earth his firming foot.
1883 Scotsman 9 May 10/1 Sold at firming prices.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.11500n.21574adj.adv.a1340v.1303
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