IMP definition

1. <programming language> IMProved Mercury autocode.

2. <programming language> An extensible dialect of ALGOL 60, for CDC 1604.

["Experience with an Extensible Language", Edgar T. Irons, CACM 13(1):31-39, Jan 1970].

3. <programming language> Interpretive Menu Processor.

4. <programming language> IMPlementation language.

5. <networking> Interface Message Processor.

1. A shoot; a scion; a bud; a slip; a graft.

2. An offspring; progeny; child; scion. "The tender imp was weaned." (Fairfax)

3. A young or inferior devil; a little, malignant spirit; a puny demon; a contemptible evil worker. "To mingle in the clamorous fray Of squabbling imps." (Beattie)

4. Something added to, or united with, another, to lengthen it out or repair it, as, an addition to a beehive; a feather inserted in a broken wing of a bird; a length of twisted hair in a fishing line.

Origin: OE. Imp a graft, AS. Impa; akin to Dan. Ympe, Sw. Ymp, prob. Fr. LL. Impotus, Gr. Engrafted, innate, fr. To implant; in + to produce; akin to E. Be. See 1st In-, Be.

1. To graft; to insert as a scion.

2. <veterinary> To graft with new feathers, as a wing; to splice a broken feather. Hence, To repair; to extend; to increase; to strengthen to equip. "Imp out our drooping country's broken wing." (Shak) "Who lazily imp their wings with other men's plumes. Fuller. Here no frail Muse shall imp her crippled wing." (Holmes) "Help, ye tart satirists, to imp my rage With all the scorpions that should whip this age." (Cleveland)

Origin: AS. Impian to imp, ingraft, plant; akin to Dan. Ympe, Sw. Ympa, OHG. Impfon, impiton, G. Impfen. See Imp.