glim

A sailor lights a glim in the dark ship's cabin.

Definition

1. Noun (Slang):
   • Light or lamp: "glim" is a slang term for a source of light, such as a candle, lantern, or lamp.
   • Eye: In informal usage, "glim" can refer to an eye, particularly in the plural form "glims" meaning eyes.

Usage Examples

• Noun (light):

  • He struck a match and lit the glim on the table. (He lit the lamp or candle.)
  • The old sailor called for a glim to see the map in the dark cabin. (He requested a light source.)

• Noun (eye):

  • She cast her glims around the room, looking for her keys. (She looked around with her eyes.)
  • Keep your glims open for any trouble. (Stay alert and watchful.)

Advanced Usage

• "To douse the glim": to extinguish a light or lamp.

  • The watchman doused the glim before locking up. (He put out the light.)

• "Glim" in historical contexts: This term was common in 18th- and 19th-century British slang, especially among sailors and thieves.

  • The thief whispered, "Pass me the glim so I can see the lock." (A slang usage in a criminal setting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Glims (n, plural): eyes (slang).

  • The old man's glims were sharp despite his age. (His eyes were keen.)

• Glimmer (n): a faint or unsteady light (related but distinct; not a direct variant).

  • There was a glimmer of light through the trees. (A weak light.)

Synonyms

• Light: a source of illumination.
• Lamp: a device that produces light.
• Eye: the organ of sight (for the "eye" meaning).
• Peepers: slang for eyes (similar informal register).

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• "To have a glim": to have a light or to be able to see.

  • Do you have a glim? I can't find my way in the dark. (Do you have a light?)

• "Under the glim": in the light or under observation.

  • The suspect was caught under the glim of the streetlamp. (Under the light.)