Aim , n. [Cf. OF. esme estimation,
fr. esmer. See Aim,
v. i.]
1. The pointing of a
weapon, as a
gun, a dart,
or an arrow,
in the line
of direction with the object intended to be struck;
the line of
fire; the direction of anything, as a spear, a blow, a discourse, a remark, towards a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it.
Each at the head leveled his deadly aim.
Milton.
2. The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected.
To be the aim of every dangerous shot.
Shak.
3. Intention; purpose; design; scheme.
How oft ambitious aims are
crossed!
Pope.
4. Conjecture; guess. [Obs.]
What you would work me
to, I have some aim.
Shak.
To cry aim (Archery), to encourage. [Obs.] Shak.
Syn. -- End; object; scope; drift; design; purpose; intention; scheme; tendency; aspiration.
Aim , v. t. To direct or point, as a weapon, at a particular object; to direct, as
a missile, an act, or a proceeding, at, to, or against an object; as, to
aim a musket or an
arrow, the fist or a blow (at something); to aim a satire or a reflection (at some person or vice).
Aim (&?;), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Aimed (&?;);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Aiming.]
[OE. amen, aimen,
eimen, to guess at, to estimate, to aim, OF. esmer, asmer,
fr. L. aestimare to estimate; or perh. fr. OF. aesmer; &?; (L. ad) + esmer. See Estimate.] 1. To point or direct a missile weapon, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or
spot with the intent of
hitting it; as, to aim at
a fox, or at a target.
2. To direct the
indention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to
try to gain;
to endeavor; -- followed by at, or
by an infinitive; as, to aim at
distinction; to aim to do well.
Aim'st thou at princes?
Pope.
3. To guess or conjecture. [Obs.] Shak.
Hear it pronounced