Pālm (päm)1, n.
n. [Fr. palme, paume, Pr., Sp., Pg., It., & Lat. palma, Gr. παλάμη.]
Sense 1. The inner part of the hand; the interior part of the metacarpus from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
Sense 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 measure of length equal to four inches; a hand; sometimes, a measure of three inches; also, among the Romans, a lineal measure of about eight and a half inches, corresponding to the length of the hand. Simmonds.
☞ The palm, as used in different countries, varies very much, being in Russia about 2.7 inches; in other countries 8, 10, or 11 inches. Simmonds.
Sense 3. The broad, triangular part of an anchor at the end of the arms;—so called as resembling the palm of the hand in breadth and flatness.
Sense 4. The broad part of the horns of a full-grown deer;—so called as resembling the palm of the hand with its protruding fingers. “A wondrous goodly palm that sixteen branches bore.” Chapman.
Sense 5. An instrument used by sail-makers to force a needle through canvas. It consists of a strap going round the hand, with a small iron plate in the palm. Totten.
Sense 6. (Bot.) A perennial endogenous tree of several different genera, usually with an unbranching cylindrical trunk, having a terminal bud. The leaves have a midrib, from which parallel veins are given off, are borne in a crown at the top of the tree, and are sometimes of enormous size. The palm is limited to an annual temperature of above 60°, and is remarkable as having generally a very regular geographical distribution. It is of great value for the variety of uses to which its products can be applied. The date-tree is commonly spoken of as a palm.
Sense 7. A branch or leaf of the palm, anciently borne or worn as a symbol of victory or rejoicing.
A great multitude... stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. Rev. vii. 9.
Sense 8. Hence, the symbol or evidence of superiority or victory; a token of success or triumph.
Namur subdued is England’s palm alone. Dryden.
