Definition of crimp

• v. t. - To fold or plait in regular undulation in such a way that the material will retain the shape intended; to give a wavy appearance to; as, to crimp the border of a cap; to crimp a ruffle. Cf. Crisp.
• v. t. - To pinch and hold; to seize.
• v. t. - to entrap into the military or naval service; as, to crimp seamen.
• v. t. - To cause to contract, or to render more crisp, as the flesh of a fish, by gashing it, when living, with a knife; as, to crimp skate, etc.
• a. - Easily crumbled; friable; brittle.
• a. - Weak; inconsistent; contradictory.
• n. - A coal broker.
• n. - One who decoys or entraps men into the military or naval service.
• n. - A keeper of a low lodging house where sailors and emigrants are entrapped and fleeced.
• n. - Hair which has been crimped; -- usually in pl.
• n. - A game at cards.