Dim (?), a. [Compar. Dimmer (?); superl. Dimmest (?).] [AS. dim; akin to OFries. dim, Icel. dimmr: cf. MHG. timmer, timber; of uncertain origin.]
1.
Not bright or distinct; wanting luminousness or clearness; obscure in luster or sound; dusky; darkish; obscure; indistinct; overcast; tarnished.
The dim magnificence of poetry.
Whewell.
How is the gold become dim!
Lam. iv. 1.
I never saw
The heavens so dim by day.
Shak.
Three sleepless nights I passed in sounding on,
Through words and things, a dim and perilous way.
Wordsworth.
2.
Of obscure vision; not seeing clearly; hence, dull of apprehension; of weak perception; obtuse.
Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow.
Job xvii. 7.
The understanding is dim.
Rogers.
⇒ Obvious compounds: dim-eyed; dim-sighted, etc.
Syn. -- Obscure; dusky; dark; mysterious; imperfect; dull; sullied; tarnished.
© Webster 1913.
Dim, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dimmed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Dimming.]
1.
To render dim, obscure, or dark; to make less bright or distinct; to take away the luster of; to darken; to dull; to obscure; to eclipse.
A king among his courtiers, who dims all his attendants.
Dryden.
Now set the sun, and twilight dimmed the ways.
Cowper.
2.
To deprive of distinct vision; to hinder from seeing clearly, either by dazzling or clouding the eyes; to darken the senses or understanding of.
Her starry eyes were dimmed with streaming tears.
C. Pitt.
© Webster 1913.
Dim, v. i.
To grow dim.
J. C. Shairp.
© Webster 1913.