prime, to

The Sailor's Word-Book

To make ready a gun, mine, &c., for instantaneous firing.


Also, to pierce the cartridge with the priming-wire, and apply the quill-tube in readiness for firing the cannon.

♦ To prime a fire-ship. To lay the train for being set on fire.

♦ To prime a match. Put a little wet bruised powder made into the paste called devil, upon the end of the rope slow-match, with a piece of paper wrapped round it.

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