[f. WARM v.] An act of warming or state of becoming warm. Phr. to give, get, have, take a warm. Somewhat colloq.
In the first quot. warmes is a mistake for walmes: see WALM sb.1 3 c.
[1655. Walton, Angler (ed. 2), x. 239. Boil it [sc. the malt] in the kettle (one or two warmes is enough).]
1768. Ross, Helenore, 70. This morning’s raw, gin ye’ve a’ night been out, That ye wad thole a warm, I mak na doubt.
1800. in Spirit Publ. Jrnls., IV. 6. The dark and dreary night, the dreadful storm Drove me unwillingly to get a warm.
1838. Dickens, O. Twist, i. The surgeon had been sitting with his face turned towards the fire, giving the palms of his hands a warm and a rub alternately. Ibid. (1843), Chr. Carol, iii. Sit ye down before the fire, my dear, and have a warm. Ibid. (1861), Gt. Expect., ii. When I … was taking a final warm in the chimney-corner before being sent up to bed.
1861. Flor. Nightingale, Nursing, 55. If, after washing a patient, you must put the same night-dress on him again, always give it a warm first, at the fire.
1891. C. Roberts, Adrift Amer., 120. I made a fire, and … had a good warm.
