Orig. U.S. [Commonly regarded as a. L. vim, acc. sing. of vis strength, energy; but the earlier adverbial use (see quot. 1850) suggests a purely imitative or interjectional origin.] Force or vigor, energy, ‘go.’ † Also as adv., vigorously, sharply.
1850. Odd Leaves, 51 (Thornton). He thought of his spurs, so he ris up, an’ drove them vim in the hoss’s flanx. Ibid., 91.
1875. New York Herald, 17 April (Bartlett). Fullerton figuratively jumped into the ring, rolled up his sleeves and squared off with a vim and determination that sometimes makes victory half assured.
1876. F. L. Galt, in Orton, Andes & Amazons, II. xliv. 586. [The Portuguese] seem still to carry about the vim of a Vasco de Gama in their wanderings.
1880. Johnson, W. L. Garrison, 128. There was … a Garrisonian grip and vim in the anti-slavery sentiment of the county.
1894. Outing, XXIV. 259/1. He fought well and with a vim that I have never seen equaled.
