palm

palm palm (p[aum]m), n. [OE. paume, F. paume, L. palma, Gr. pala`mh, akin to Skr. p[=a][.n]i hand, and E. fumble. See {Fumble}, {Feel}, and cf. 2d {Palm}.] 1. (Anat.) The inner and somewhat concave part of the hand between the bases of the fingers and the wrist. [1913 Webster]

Clench'd her fingers till they bit the palm. --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]

2. A lineal measure equal either to the breadth of the hand or to its length from the wrist to the ends of the fingers; a hand; -- used in measuring a horse's height. [1913 Webster]

Note: In Greece, the palm was reckoned at three inches. The Romans adopted two measures of this name, the lesser palm of 2.91 inches, and the greater palm of 8.73 inches. At the present day, this measure varies in the most arbitrary manner, being different in each country, and occasionally varying in the same. --Internat. Cyc. [1913 Webster]

3. (Sailmaking) A metallic disk, attached to a strap, and worn on the palm of the hand, -- used to push the needle through the canvas, in sewing sails, etc. [1913 Webster]

4. (Zo["o]l.) The broad flattened part of an antler, as of a full-grown fallow deer; -- so called as resembling the palm of the hand with its protruding fingers. [1913 Webster]

5. (Naut.) The flat inner face of an anchor fluke. [1913 Webster]

{to grease the palm of}, v. t. To bribe or tip. [Slang] [Webster 1913 Suppl.]