crimp

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Crimped p. pr. & vb. n. Crimping. ] [ Akin to D. krimpen to shrink, shrivel, Sw. krympa, Dan. krympe, and to E. cramp. See Cramp. ] 1. To fold or plait in regular undulation in such a way that the material will retain the shape intended; to give a wavy appearance to; as, to crimp the border of a cap; to crimp a ruffle. Cf. Crisp. [ 1913 Webster ]

The comely hostess in a crimped cap. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To pinch and hold; to seize. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Hence, to entrap into the military or naval service; as, to crimp seamen. [ 1913 Webster ]

Coaxing and courting with intent to crimp him. Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Cookery) To cause to contract, or to render more crisp, as the flesh of a fish, by gashing it, when living, with a knife; as, to crimp skate, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Firearms) In cartridge making, to fold the edge of (a cartridge case) inward so as to close the mouth partly and confine the charge. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

Crimping house, a low lodging house, into which men are decoyed and plied with drink, to induce them to ship or enlist as sailors or soldiers. --
Crimping iron. (a) An iron instrument for crimping and curling the hair. (b) A crimping machine. --
Crimping machine, a machine with fluted rollers or with dies, for crimping ruffles, leather, iron, etc. --
Crimping pin, an instrument for crimping or puckering the border of a lady's cap. [ 1913 Webster ]