limp´ing|ly

limp¹ «lihmp», noun, verb.

–n

a lame step or walk.

╂[< verb]

–v.i.

1. to walk with a limp: »

After falling down the stairs, he limped for several days.

SYNONYM(S): hobble.

2. Figurative. to proceed slowly and with difficulty: »

The plane limped toward the airfield.

╂[origin uncertain. Compare Old English lemphealt lame]

–limp´er, noun.

–limp´ing|ly, adverb.

limp² «lihmp», adjective.

1. not at all stiff; ready to bend or droop; lacking stiffness: »

limp flowers, a limp body. This starched collar soon gets limp in hot weather.

2. Figurative. lacking firmness, force, energy, or the like: »

I am so tired I feel as limp as a rag.

╂[origin uncertain. Compare Icelandic lempinn pliable, gentle]

–limp´ly, adverb.

–limp´ness, noun.

Synonym Study 1, 2 Limp, flabby mean lacking firmness, both literally and figuratively. Limp suggests drooping or hanging loosely or, figuratively, lacking firmness and strength: »

My clothes hung limp in the humid weather. Hot weather always makes me feel limp.

Flabby suggests being soft and weak, flapping or shaking easily or, figuratively, lacking forcefulness and vigor: »

She is so fat her flesh is flabby. He showed a flabby weakness of purpose.