n. In gunnery and blasting, the act of applying the powder, percussion-cap, or other material used to ignite the charge; hence, the powder or cap itself.n. Figuratively, anything as small relatively to something else as the gun-priming is relatively to the charge: as, his crop isn't a priming to mine.n. In painting, the first layer of paint, size, or other material given to any surface as a ground.n. In steam-engines: Hot water carried along by the steam from the boiler into the cylinder.n. The carrying of such water from the boiler into the cylinder.n. In tobacco-growing: The act of gathering an instalment of leaves.n. The leaves of one of the gatherings. See prime, 3 .n. In brewing, an addition of sugar to the beer in the settling back, furnishing material for further fermentation.