Firm , v. t. [OE. fermen to make firm, F.
fermer, fr. L. firmare to make firm.
See Firm, a.]
1. To fix; to settle; to confirm; to establish. [Obs.]
And Jove has
firmed it with an awful nod.
Dryden.
2. To fix
or direct with firmness.
[Obs.]
He on his card and
compass firms his eye.
Spenser.
Firm , n. [It. firma the (firm, sure, or
confirming) signature or subscription, or Pg.
firma signature, firm, cf. Sp. firma signature; all fr. L. firmus, adj., firm. See Firm, a.]
The name, title, or style, under which a
company transacts business; a partnership of two or more
persons; a commercial house; as, the
firm of Hope & Co.
Firm (?), a.
[Compar. Firmer (?); superl.
Firmest.]
[OE. ferme, F. ferme,
fr.L. firmus; cf. Skr. dharman support, law, order, dh&?; to hold fast, carry. Cf. Farm, Throne.] 1. Fixed; hence, closely compressed; compact; substantial; hard; solid; -- applied to the matter
of bodies; as, firm flesh; firm muscles, firm wood.
2. Not easily excited or disturbed; unchanging in purpose; fixed; steady; constant; stable; unshaken; not easily changed in feelings or will; strong; as, a
firm believer; a firm friend; a firm adherent.
Under spread
ensigns, moving nigh, in slow
But
firm battalion.
Milton.
By one man's firm obediency fully tried.
Milton.
3. Solid; -- opposed to fluid; as, firm land.
4. Indicating firmness; as, a firm tread; a firm countenance.
Syn. -- Compact; dense; hard; solid; stanch; robust; strong; sturdly; fixed; steady; resolute; constant.
Hear it pronounced