Whim

n. [Icel. hrim, a quick movement, hrima, to move quickly, W. chwim, a brisk motion, chwimlaw, to move briskly.]

1Sense 1. A sudden turn or start of the mind; a freak; a fancy; a capricious notion; a humor; as, every man has his whims.

All the superfluous whims relate. Swift.

2Sense 2. (Mining.) A large capstan or windlass worked by horse-power, or steam-power, for raising ore or water, &c., from mines, or for other purposes;—called also whim-gin and whimsey.

Synonyms—Freak; caprice; whimsey; fancy.—WHIM, FREAK. These words are here compared in respect to variable states of mind. A freak denotes some particular act which is hasty or fanciful, perhaps humorous or childish; a whim is dictated by caprice, and usually implies a state of mind more eccentric than childish. The young are apt to have their freaks, and the old to indulge themselves in whims.

Where mirth's light freaks the unheeded hours beguile, And airs of rapture warble on the gale. Beattie.

He learned his whims and high-flown notions too, Such as fine men adopt, and fine men rue. Harte.

v. i. To be subject to whims; to indulge in whims; to be whimsical, giddy, or freakish. [Rare.] Congreve.