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ginning - 5 dictionary results

gin

2  [jin] noun, verb, ginned, gin⋅ning.
Use ginning in a Sentence
–noun
1. cotton gin.
2. a trap or snare for game.
3. any of various machines employing simple tackle or windlass mechanisms for hoisting.
4. a stationary prime mover having a drive shaft rotated by horizontal beams pulled by horses walking in a circle.
–verb (used with object)
5. to clear (cotton) of seeds with a gin.
6. to snare (game).
Origin:
1150–1200; ME gyn, aph. var. of OF engin engine

Related forms:
ginner, noun

gin

3  [gin]
–verb (used without object), verb (used with object), gan, gun, gin⋅ning. Archaic.
to begin.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME ginnen, OE ginnan, aph. var. of onginnan, beginnen to begin

gin

4  [jin] noun, verb, ginned, gin⋅ning. Cards.
–noun
1. Also called gin rummy. a variety of rummy for two players, in which a player with 10 or fewer points in unmatched cards can end the game by laying down the hand.
2. the winning of such a game by laying down a full set of matched cards, earning the winner a bonus of 20 or 25 points.
–verb (used without object)
3. to win a game in gin by laying down a hand in which all 10 cards are included in sets.
Origin:
1955–60; perh. special use of gin 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ginning
gin 2   (jĭn)   
n.  
  1. Any of several machines or devices, especially:
    1. A machine for hoisting or moving heavy objects.
    2. A pile driver.
    3. A snare or trap for game.
    4. A pump operated by a windmill.
  2. A cotton gin.
tr.v.   ginned, gin·ning, gins
  1. To remove the seeds from (cotton) with a cotton gin.
  2. To trap in a gin.

[Middle English, from Old French, short for engin, skill; see engine.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Ginning

Gin"ning\, n. [See Gin, v. i.] Beginning. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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