Loom

Loom

Noun / Verb · /luːm/

Definition

(Noun) a frame or machine for weaving cloth; (Verb) to appear as a large, often threatening shape; to seem close and imminent in a threatening or oppressive way; to be about to happen in a threatening sense.

Origin

(Noun) From Old English gelōma — a tool or implement. The weaving loom sense dates from the 14th century. (Verb) Of uncertain origin, possibly from Low German or Scandinavian sources; the verb sense of appearing large and threatening is attested from the 16th century. The two senses are etymologically unrelated.