TIM2
(tɪm)
Also Tim, etc.
Repr. pronunc. of TIM (the first three letters of time n.), the dialling code formerly used to obtain the telephone service giving the correct time in words; hence, this telephone service itself.
| 1936 [see talking clock s.v. talking ppl. a. 2]. 1939 Times 23 Mar. 13/5 Public appreciation of the service was shown by the 18,000,000 or so calls a year that were made on ‘Tim’. 1951 W. de la Mare Winged Chariot 7 Though every minute of your life's your own,..you ring up TIM; consult the telephone. 1978 E. St. Johnston One Policeman's Story ii. 41 Always receptive to innovations and new ideas, he [sc. Sir Donald Banks] introduced TIM, 999, Greetings Telegrams and the neo-Georgian style of post office buildings. |