Crimp (krĭmp), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Crimped (krĭmt; 215); 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.
The comely hostess in a crimped cap.
W. Irving.
2. To pinch and hold; to seize.
3. Hence, to entrap into the military or naval service; as, to crimp seamen.
Coaxing and courting with intent to crimp him.
Carlyle.
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.
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.