Prime, v. i. 1. To be renewed, or as at first.
Night's bashful empress, though she often wane,
As oft repeats her darkness, primes again. Quarles.
2. To serve as priming for the charge of a gun.
3. To work so that foaming occurs from too violent ebullition, which causes water to become mixed with, and be carried along with, the steam that is formed; — said of a steam boiler.