1. Noun:
* A small, mischievous devil or sprite: This is the most common meaning. An imp is often depicted as a small, winged creature with horns and a mischievous nature.
* A naughty or mischievous child: This meaning is more figurative and implies that the child is troublesome or mischievous.
* A small, insignificant person: This usage is somewhat archaic and implies a lack of importance or power.
2. Verb:
* To graft a shoot or bud onto another plant: This usage is primarily used in horticulture and refers to the process of transferring a part of one plant to another.
3. Slang:
* A person who is considered to be arrogant or conceited: This slang usage is often derogatory and suggests someone who is self-important.
To understand the meaning of "imp" in a dictionary, you need to consider the context of the sentence or paragraph where it appears.
Here are some examples:
* "The mischievous imp was laughing as he pulled the cat's tail." (This refers to a small, mischievous devil or sprite.)
* "That little imp is always getting into trouble." (This refers to a naughty or mischievous child.)
* "The company was run by a bunch of arrogant imps." (This refers to a person who is considered arrogant or conceited.)
If you're unsure about the meaning of "imp" in a specific context, try looking up the word in a dictionary or searching for it online. You can also try reading the sentences around the word to see if they provide any clues.