Whim — Defs

01 n. The European widgeon.

1.
The European widgeon.(Zool.) [Prov. Eng.]

02 n. A sudden turn or start of the mind; a temporary eccentricity; a freak; a fancy; a capricious notion; a humor; a caprice.

1.
A sudden turn or start of the mind; a temporary eccentricity; a freak; a fancy; a capricious notion; a humor; a caprice.
“Let every man enjoy his whim.” — Churchill.
2.
A large capstan or vertical drum turned by horse power or steam power, for raising ore or water, etc., from mines, or for other purposes; -- called also whim gin, and whimsey.(Mining) Also: whim gin, whimsey

Phrases & compounds

Whim gin — a whim. See Whim, 2.

Whim shaft — a shaft through which ore, water, etc., is raised from a mine by means of a whim.

Syn. Freak; caprice; whimsey; fancy.

-- Whim, Freak, Caprice. Freak denotes an impulsive, inconsiderate change of mind, as by a child or a lunatic. Whim is a mental eccentricity due to peculiar processes or habits of thought. Caprice is closely allied in meaning to freak, but implies more definitely a quality of willfulness or wantonness.

03 v. i. To be subject to, or indulge in, whims; to be whimsical, giddy, or freakish.

1.
To be subject to, or indulge in, whims; to be whimsical, giddy, or freakish.[R.]