'Crimping house' definitions:

Definition of 'Crimping house'

From: GCIDE
  • Crimp \Crimp\ (kr[i^]mp), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Crimped (kr[i^]mt; 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. [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]