▪ I. firm, n.1
(fɜːm)
Also 6 firme.
[ad. It., Sp. and Pg. firma, a Com. Rom. n. of action f. L. firmāre to confirm, in late L. to ratify by one's signature, f. firm-us firm a. Cf. farm n.2, which is another form of the same word. The word first occurs in translations from Sp. writers; in sense 2 it was prob. taken, like other commercial words, from Italian.]
† 1. Signature, sign-manual. Obs.
| 1574 Hellowes Gueuara's Fam. Ep. 62 The firme of my hand I cannot denie. Ibid. 257 This letter..is..without date or firme. 1588 Parke tr. Mendoza's Hist. China 81 He..doth firme the petition with his own firme with red inke. [1613 Purchas Pilgrimage (1864) 50 The Articles..were confirmed by the King's Firma.] 1688 Lond. Gaz. No. 2354/2 He..puts the Grand Signior's Firm or Name to all Imperial Commands. 1707 Freind Peterborow's Cond. Sp. 143 We order these Presents to be passed with our Royal Firm. 1755 tr. Italian certificate in Magens Insurances I. 304 The frequent knowledge we have of his Firm and Signature. |
2. a. The ‘style’ or name under which the business of a commercial house is transacted.
b. A partnership of two or more persons for carrying on a business; a commercial house.
| 1744 in Hanway Trav. (1762) I. v. lxvi. 301 We are come to the unanimous resolution of fixing one house, under the firm of Messieurs Hanway and Mierop. 1785 A. M. Bennett Juvenile Indiscret. (1786) II. 135 He could not oppose the wishes of the respectable partners without altering the firm of the house. 1802 M. Edgeworth Moral T. (1816) I. xix. 163 All we want to know, is the number of your note, and the firm of the house. 1817 W. Selwyn Law Nisi Prius II. 1065 An action brought by the other parties in the firm, for goods sold and delivered. 1861 W. Bell Dict. Law Scot. 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 Mrs. J. H. Riddell George Geith I. ii. 9 Trading under the firm of ‘Grant & Co.’ 1870 Dickens E. Drood viii, My small patrimony was left a part of the capital of the Firm I am with. 1882 W. Ballantine Exper. viii. 81 A respectable firm of solicitors. |
c. transf. Applied (chiefly in sarcastic use) to a number of persons regarded as associated for the promotion of their common interest. Also used
gen. of a group of persons working together.
| a 1797 Burke (T.), The bill was carried by a very small majority, consisting of partners in the firm. 1819 Metropolis 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). 1862 Merivale Rom. Emp. (1865) VII. lx. 291 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. 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. 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. 1964 G. Lyall Most Dangerous Game xxv. 218 He's one of the Firm... He's not going to talk. 1969 Daily Tel. 8 Feb. 13/6 The Kray ‘firm’ were like income-tax inspectors in assessing what ‘pension’ or protection money a club should pay them. 1971 R. Busby Deadlock x. 159 Put in for a transfer to the Met, we could use a good man in my firm. |
d. long firm. (See
quot. 1882.)
| 1869 Orchestra 2 Jan. 235/1 The doings of ‘the Long Firm’, a body of phantom capitalists who issue large orders to supply an infinite variety of goods. 1882 Ogilvie s.v. Firm, Long Firm, a term given to that class of swindlers who obtain goods by pretending to be in business in a certain place, and ordering goods to be sent to them, generally from persons at a distance, without any intention of payment. 1888 Rider Haggard Mr. Meeson's Will xv, John would give James briefs, and James's reflected glory would shine back on John. In short, they were anxious to establish a legal long firm of the most approved pattern. |
▪ II. firm, n.2 Hist. [ad. med.L. firma: see farm n.2] Occasionally used instead of
farm n.2 in translations of
med.L. documents.
| 1859 A. Jeffrey Roxburghsh. III. iv. 111 He granted to Sir Robert Erskine {pstlg}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. |
▪ III. firm, a. and adv. (
fɜːm)
Forms: 4–6
ferm(e, 6
fyrme, 6–7
firme, 6–
firm.
[ME. ferme, a. OF. (and Fr.) ferme:—L. firmus.] A. adj. 1. Having a close consistence, of solid or compact structure or texture; not readily yielding to pressure or impact.
| 1611 Bible Job xli. 24 His heart is as firme as a stone. 1614 Raleigh Hist. World iii. §5 To dry up the abundant slime and mudde of the Earth, and make the Land more firme. 1667 Milton P.L. i. 350 Down they light On the firm brimstone. 1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World 28 To case it all over with firm thick plank. 1727 Swift Gulliver iii. ii. 187 Upon the firm earth. 1812–16 J. Smith Panorama Sc. & Art I. 5 Cast steel takes a fine firm edge. 1823 F. Clissold Ascent Mt. Blanc 20 The surface of the snow was of so firm a consistence that [etc.]. 1854 Badham Halieut. 170 The flesh is rather too firm when fresh. |
2. Securely or steadily fixed, not easily moved or shaken, stable.
| 1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, iv. v. 204 Yet, though thou stand'st more sure, than I could do, Thou art not firme enough. 1598 ― Merry W. iii. ii. 49 It is as possitiue, as the earth is firme. 1694 Narborough in Acc. Sev. Late Voy. 46 They lie in Veins in the Earth, and in the firm Rocks. 1784 Cowper Task v. 156 So stood the brittle prodigy, though smooth And slipp'ry the materials, yet frost-bound Firm as a rock. 1791 Mrs. Radcliffe Rom. Forest ii, The glass was yet firm in the windows. 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.
| 1593 Shakes. 2 Hen. VI, iii. i. 190 King Henry throwes away his Crutch, Before his Legges be firme to beare his Body. 1614 Bp. Hall Recoll. Treat. 102 This firme and beautifull light [the Sun]. 1656 Cowley Davideis iii. 504 The Lion's royal whelp..leaves the rugged Bear for firmer claws. 1667 Milton P.L. vi. 534 Him soon they met Under spred Ensignes moving nigh, in slow But firm Battalion. 1697 Dryden Virg. Georg. iii. 121 Upright he walks on Pasterns firm and straight. 1809 Roland Fencing 22 Extend the longe..provided you feel yourself firm and steady in that position. 1834 Medwin Angler in Wales I. 273, I never heard but one woman who had so firm a touch [on the piano]. 1840 P. Parley's Ann. I. 176 A wise man's feet are always firm in the stirrup. 1870 Bryant Iliad I. iv. 120 O aged man, would that thy knees were firm As is thy purpose. |
4. Healthy, robust; sound, undecayed. (
Cf. infirm.) ?
Obs.| 1577 B. Googe Heresbach's Husb. iii. (1586) 124 b, If the Horse have an ache [si febrit], give it him with water, if he be ferme [si non febrit] with good strong Wine. 1715–20 Pope Iliad xvii. 348 Lamented youth! in life's firm bloom he fell. 1776 G. Semple Building in Water 84 Those which were painted were all quite rotten, but those that were not painted continued firm. 1798 Malthus Popul. (1817) I. 428 In the firmest stages of life. |
5. a. Of non-material things: Fixed, settled, established. Of a decree, law, or sentence: Immutable.
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. iii. vi. 78 I ne trowe nat þat þe pris and grace of þe poeple..ne is ferm perdurably. c 1400 Mandeville (Roxb.) xvi. 74 Þou..sall hafe were withouten ferme pees all way. 1538 Starkey England i. i. 16 The law of nature ys..in al cuntreys fyrme and stabul. 1568 Grafton Chron. II. 173 We..promise to observe and holde his deede firme and stable. 1600 Shakes. A.Y.L. i. iii. 85 Firme and irreuocable is my doombe. 1625 Burges Pers. Tithes 64 If the Law bee..firme for Personal Tithes. 1660 Milton Free Commw. 430 The happiness of a Nation must needs be firmest and certainest in a full and free Council of thir own electing. 1837 Whewell Hist. Induct. Sc. (1857) I. 229 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.
Obs.| 1375 Barbour Bruce ix. 755 The King..Send hym to be in ferm keping. 1483 Caxton Gold. Leg. 285 b/1 They mette and were ferme of the lignage promysed. 1594 First Pt. Contention (1843) 39 You shall have your firme rewarde. 1671 Charente Let. Customs 64 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 Whiston Josephus' Antiq. vii. ix. §6 The kingdom would be firm to him when David was dead. |
† c. Well-ascertained, certain, sure. Of an argument: Well-founded, valid.
Obs.| 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xii. 283 Þorough fuire is fullyng and þat is ferme bileue. 1581 J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osor. 494 Alleadgyng no firme, or honest proofe of y⊇ crimes. 1596 Shakes. Merch. V. iv. i. 53 There is no firme reason to be rendred Why [etc.]. 1616 Surfl. & Markh. Country Farme 27 If the drops of Water comming from the roofes of Houses doe fall one a good while after another, he shall hold it for firme, that cold is neere at hand. 1693 South 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.
| 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xv. 341 Wherfore folke is þe feblere and nouȝt ferme of bileue. c 1400 Rom. Rose 5229 If he be so ferme & stable, That fortune chaunge hym not. 1490 Caxton Eneydos xii. 43 Make thy selfe ferme wyth hope. 1552 Abp. Hamilton Catech. (1884) 4 Thairto gyf ferme credens. 1598 Shakes. Merry W. iv. v. 28 Her Mother, (euen strong against that match And firme for Doctor Caius). 1637 Decree Star Chamb. §24 in Milton Areop. (Arb.) 20 The Court doth hereby declare their firme resolution. 1659 B. Harris Parival's Iron Age 245 The people of Liedge are very firm Roman Catholicks. 1751 T. Sharp in Lett. Lit. Men (Camden) 375 A firm and lasting friendship. 1838 Lytton Alice i. ix, Lady Vargrave, though touched, was firm. 1848 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 225 Those classes which had been the firm allies of the monarchy. 1852 H. Rogers Ecl. Faith (1853) 181 [They] were firm believers in the theory of insight. 1873 Helps Anim. & Mast. (1875) 4 It is my firm belief that [etc.]. |
b. Steadfast in attachment
to (a person, cause, or the like).
| 1705 Walsh Hor. Odes iii. iii. 2 The man that's resolute and just, Firm to his principles and trust. a 1715 Burnet Own Time I. 393 While the Parliament was so firm to the King. 1726–46 Thomson Winter 482 Phocion the Good..To virtue still inexorably firm. |
c. Indicating steadfastness or resolution.
| 1802 M. Edgeworth Moral T. (1816) I. 211 ‘I am the count’, replied he, in a firm tone. 1844 Mem. Babylonian P'cess II. 253 The firm voice of the captain giving his orders. 1878 B. Taylor Deukalion ii. iv. 81 Pity shines From those firm eyes. |
7. Comm. a. Of prices: Maintaining their level; with no downward tendency. Of commodities: Not depressed in market value. Also
transf. applied to the market, a season of trade, etc.
b. a firm offer: one which the person making it is resolved not to increase.
| 1846 Times 19 Nov. 6/2 The trade is very firm, and the prices of Friday are fully maintained. Ibid. 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 Ibid. 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. |
† 8. firm land,
firm-land: dry land, solid earth; the mainland (as opposed to an island), a ‘continent’.
Obs. as a recognized phrase. [
= med.L.
terra firma. F.
terre ferme.]
| 1553 Eden Treat. Newe Ind. (Arb.) 8 They see the continente or fyrme lande, extended euen to the North Pole. 1594 Blundevil Exerc. v. (ed. 7) 574 The South firme Land is called of some Magellanica. 1612 Brerewood Lang. & Relig. x. 93 Thus it is..in the firm land of Asia: but in the islands about Asia [etc.]. 1667 Milton P.L. ii. 589 A frozen continent..which on firm land Thaws not. 1682 Wheler Journ. Greece i. 22 It is joyned..to the Firm⁓land by a Woodden one [bridge]. 1872 Browning Fifine lxxxii. 5 No more to do But tread the firmland, tempt the uncertain sea no more. |
† 9. ellipt. quasi-n. = prec. Obs.| 1598 Hakluyt Voy. I. 438 No such Islands may bee found in the Scithian sea toward the firme of Asia. 1612 Drayton Poly-olb. ii. 407 Betwixt the fore-land and the firme, Shee [Wight] hath that narrow Sea, which we the Solent tearme. 1615 G. Sandys Trav. i. 19 Ashore on the firme of Asia. |
B. adv. and quasi-adv.| 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xix. 116 That she furste and formest ferme shulde bilieue. 1667 Milton P.L. xii. 127 He..firm believes. 1703 Moxon Mech. Exerc. 137 The shorter all the Bearings of Timbers are, the firmer they Bear. 1768–74 Tucker Lt. Nat. (1852) II. 304 Charity..is built firmest upon faith and prudence. 1801 Southey Thalaba xi. iv, Her rosy feet press firmer, as she leaps Upon the wing. |
b. Chiefly in
phr. to stand firm (
lit. and
fig.), and
to hold firm (to).
| a 1340 Hampole Psalter xviii. 10 Þat þai be halden ferme. 1570 Billingsley Euclid i. Def. iv. 2 A right lyne is that which standeth firme betwene his extremes. 1611 Bible Josh. iv. 3 The place where the Priests feet stood firme. 1611 Shakes. Cymb. ii. i. 67 Heel'd make the Heauens hold firme The walls of thy deere Honour. 1626 Bacon Sylva §900 Wee that hold firme to the Works of God. 1724 De Foe Mem. Cavalier (1840) 277 He, an old tried soldier, stood firm. 1856 Emerson Eng. Traits, Manners Wks. (Bohn) II. 45, I find the Englishman to be him of all men who stands firmest in his shoes. 1857 Spurgeon Serm. New Park St. II. 132 Those who hold truth pretty firm and will not let it go. |
C. Comb. 1. Of the
adj.:
a. with
n., as
† firm-wood (used as
adj.). Also
firm-land (see A. 8).
| 1745 tr. Columella's Husb. iii. xvii, Authors who denied that the upper firm-wood branch is fit for bearing fruit. |
b. In parasynthetic
adjs., as
firm-based,
firm-bodied,
firm-faced,
firm-featured,
firm-framed,
firm-lipped,
firm-minded,
firm-natured,
firm-nerved,
firm-paced,
† firm-proposed,
firm-sinewed,
firm-souled,
firm-textured; also
firm-footed,
spec. in Cricket
= fast-footed (a);
firm-hoofed, having hoofs not cloven.
| 1820 Keats Hyperion ii. 138 My *firm-based footstool. |
| 1915 D. H. Lawrence Rainbow 315 She was *firm⁓bodied as Diana. |
| 1918 E. Pound Pavannes & Divisions 39 One of those *firm-faced inspecting women. |
| 1916 Joyce Portrait of Artist v. 273 Cranly's *firm featured suffering face. |
| 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. |
| 1877 Black Green Past. iii. (1878) 20 He was a bony *firm-framed young man. |
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. vi. vi. 297 Solipes, or *firme hoofed creatures, as Horses, Asses, Mules, &c. 1870 Bryant Iliad v. 286 Thy firm-hoofed [Gr. µώνυχας] coursers. |
| 1921 W. de la Mare Crossings 27 *Firm-lipped, round⁓browed, keen-eyed. |
| 1913 J. Masefield Daffodil Fields 60 He should not have a woman sick with ghosts, But one *firm-minded to be his. |
| 1858 Bagehot Coll. Works (1965) I. 319 They [sc. Whigs] are emphatically pure-natured and *firm-natured. |
| 1821 J. Baillie Met. Leg., Wallace xxxvii, The *firm-nerved youth's exerted force. |
| 1799 Campbell Pleas. Hope 1, *Firm-paced and slow, a horrid front they form. |
| 1599 Shakes. Hen. V, v. ii. 462 The King hath graunted euery Article..According to their *firm proposed natures. |
| 1884 Black Jud. Shaks. viii, His *firm-sinewed figure. |
| 1918 W. B. Yeats Per Amica Silentia Lunae xvi. 79 Some *firm-souled man. |
| 1854 Hawthorne Eng. Note-bks. (1883) I. 553, I..found her sensible..and *firm-textured, rather than soft and sentimental. |
2. Of the
adv. with
pa. pples., forming
adjs., as
firm-braced,
firm-compacted,
firm-planted,
firm-rooted (hence
firm-rootedness),
firm-set,
firm-written.
| 1847 Emerson Poems (1857) 47 *Firm-braced I sought my ancient woods. |
| 1779 Potter æschylus I. 142 (Supplicants) Their *firm-compacted ships. |
| 1870 Bryant Iliad I. xii. 382 Oaks..*Firm-planted. |
| 1808 Mrs. E. H. Iliff Poems (1818) 97 *Firm-rooted in the yellow sands. |
| 1860 Pusey Min. Proph. 587 The allusion..is to its *firm-rootedness. |
| 1605 Shakes. Macb. ii. i. 56 Thou sure and *firme-set Earth Heare not my steps. 1863 I. Williams Baptistery ii. xxiii. (1874) 85 O firm-set, ever-during scene! |
| 1649 G. Daniel Trinarch., Hen. V ccxv, *Firme-written destinie Reverts the Breath of Kings. |
▪ IV. firm, v. Now
rare exc. in technical use.
(
fɜːm)
Forms: 4
ferme, 5–7
firme, 6
fyrme.
[Partly ad. (either through F. fermer or directly) L. firmāre, f. firmus firm a.; partly a new formation on the adj.] 1. a. trans. To make firm or fast; to set or fix firmly or securely; also, to hold (a thing) fast.
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. i. v. 14 (Camb. MS.) Fastne and ferme thise erthes stable with thilke bonde by whiche thow gouerneste the heuene. a 1400–50 Alexander 1369 And þat [tower] he fiches & firmes sa fast to þe wall. 1609 Bible (Douay) Gen. vii. 16 Annot., The dore..was to be firmed without..for better induring the forcible waters. 1615 Chapman Odyss. xiii. 246 He..to a stone Turn'd all her sylvan substance; all below Firm'd her with roots, and left her. 1669 Boyle Contn. New Exp. ii. (1682) 46 The Reciever seemed to admit the external air..therefore I firmed the cover with Turpentine. 1670 Walton Lives i. 77 The stones..were again by the masons art so levelled and firm'd, as they had been formerly. 1808 J. Barlow Columb. vii. 735 They firm the base Of Freedom's temple, while her arms they grace. 1855 Singleton Virgil II. 70 With its griping fang The anchor firmed the ships. 1885 Birm. Weekly Post 7 Feb. 1/7 Keep spring flowers well firmed in the ground. 1890 Hosie West 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).
Obs.| 1590 Spenser F.Q. ii. vii. 1 As pilot..Upon his card and compas firmes his eye. |
† c. To steady, support.
Obs. rare.
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 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. |
2. To make firm in consistence; to compact, solidify.
| 1580 North Plutarch (1676) 85 The force of the water..did firm and harden it, and made it grow so to Land. 1605 B. Jonson Volpone ii. i, The powder..clear'd her wrinkles, firm'd her gums, fill'd her skin, colour'd her hair. 1610 W. Folkingham Art of Survey i. x. 24 Boggie and spungie grounds are..setled, fastened and firmed by frequent ouer-flowing them with Fords. 1757 Dyer Fleece iii. 137 Ever and anon, to firm the work, Against the web is driv'n the noisy frame. 1842 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. III. 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 Hosie West China 19 Drums for firming the paper as it comes from the pulp-troughs. |
† 3. trans. To strengthen, make robust.
Obs.| 1592 Greene Palmer's Verses viii. Wks. (Rtldg.) 303/2 When in the Virgin's lap earth's comfort sleeps..Both corn and plants are firmed. |
† 4. To establish, settle, confirm (a person, etc.); to strengthen (in resolution), encourage.
Obs.| 1303 R. Brunne Handl. 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. 1650 W. Brough Sacr. Princ. (1659) 545 Solid knowledge will..Firm the Mind in Truth. 1682 N. O. Boileau's 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.
Obs.| c 1425 Wyntoun Cron. viii. i. 40 Twa Erlys..Come chargyd in Scotland..To tret, and ferme a Marriage. 1577–87 Holinshed Chron. III. 1184/1 It was further concluded also, that a peace should be firmed..betwixt the realmes of England and Scotland. 1594 Lodge Wounds Civil War iii. i. in Hazl. Dodsley VII. 135 And we will firm our honours by our bloods. 1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Div. Off. 486 These testimonies firm the comparison betwixt such persons and Adam. 1673 Dryden Amboyna ii. i, Hold back your Hand, from firming of your Faith. 1729 Savage Wanderer i. 294 He won the Belgic Land..And firms the Conquest with his fenceful Mound. 1808 J. Barlow Columb. ii. 294 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.
Obs.| 1530 R. Whitford Werke for Househ. E, The blessynge of the parentes dothe fyrme and make stable the possessyons and the kynred of the chylder. 1624 T. Scott Belg. Souldier 18 That [he] be especially carefull to firme and contract unto himselfe..the King of Poland. 1664 J. Wilson A. Comnenius v. iii, Since your joint unanimous concent Has firm'd that title. 1669 J. Owen in T. Gale Jansenisme Pref., That ground shall be firmed to them speedily by new Briefs. |
† c. gen. To ratify formally; to confirm.
Obs.| 1599 Nashe Lenten Stuffe 15 When hee [William I] firmed and rubrickt Kentishmen's gauill-kind of the sonne to inherite at fifteene. 1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Div. Off. 435 Solemn leagues..solemnly firmed by oaths. 1685 Dryden Albion & Albanius i. 8 Jove has firm'd it with an Awfull Nod. 1703 Pope Thebais 591 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.
| 1510 Will of J. Deram (Somerset Ho.), Fyrmed..w{supt} my hand. 1574 Hellowes Gueuara's Fam. Ep. 62 To firme it with the hand, is meere follie. Ibid. 64 If..Catiline and other his fellowes had not firmed the letter of their coniuration. Ibid. 231, I caused your bill to be firmed by the Queene. 1588 Ord. Sp. Fleet in Harl. Misc. (1744) I. 111 These my instructions are..firmed by my hand. 1613 Hayward Norm. Kings, Will. I, 98 Charters and deeds..were firmed by the parties speciall seale. 1641 Termes de la Ley 156 b, Writings..were wont to be firmed in England with Crosses of gold. 1690 Dryden Don Sebastian v. 120 Your Father's hand, Firm'd with his Signet. |
† b. To affix, ‘sign’ (one's name) to a document or writing.
Obs.| 1529 Will of A. Chew (Somerset Ho.), In witness whereof we..haue fyrmed our names. 1582 N. Lichefield tr. Castanheda's Conq. E. Ind. 153 He..firmed therevnto his name. |
| absol. 1529 Will of A. Chew (Somerset Ho.), Because here is noo space to fyrme on this side we haue fyrmed on the other side. 1620 Shelton Quix. IV. ii. 10 Another shall firm for me. |
7. a. intr. To become firm.
| 1882 in Ogilvie. 1883 [see firmed ppl. a. below]. 1887 S. Chesh. Gloss., Firm, to grow firm. A cheese-making term. |
b. Comm. Of prices that vary with a market, as share prices, rates of exchange, etc.: to become firm (
firm a. 7 a); to rise (slightly),
esp. after being weak. Usu. with
up. Also
fig. Hence
ˈfirming-up vbl. n.| 1896 [see up adv.1 18 b]. 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. 20 Sept. 9/3 The firming up of prices resulting from the impact effect of the deficit. a 1969 R. Williams in D. Knight 100 Yrs. 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. trans. With
up: to make firm (an agreement, etc.); to settle, establish, confirm.
colloq.| 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. |
Hence
firmed ppl. a. (
spec. in
Falconry: see
quot. 1706).
ˈfirming ppl. a. (
a)
trans. That confirms or ratifies. (
b)
intr. That is becoming firm: see
firm a. 7.
| 1574 Hellowes Gueuara's Fam. Ep. 36 It [a letter] had not come firmed or with superscription. 1625 Bp. R. Montagu App. Cæsar. Ep. Ded., I did it with a firmed purpose to leave all private opinions. 1649 G. Daniel Trinarch., Hen. IV, ccclxv, Belgia, only (in a firmed state Wrought out by others) has been fortunate. 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Firmed or full Firmed (in Falconry), well fledged or well cover'd with Feathers. 1816 L. Hunt Rimini iv. 96 A noble word! exclaimed the Prince, and smote Preparingly on earth his firming foot. 1839 Bailey Festus (1854) 332 A vital wind invisible, Yet firmed and bounded in a beauteous form. 1883 Scotsman 9 May 10/1 Sold at firming prices. |