firm

FIRM, a. ferm. [L. firmus. This is the root of L. ferrum, iron.]

1. Properly, fixed; hence, applied to the matter of bodies, it signifies closely compressed; compact; hard; solid; as firm flesh; firm muscles; some species of wood are more firm than others; a cloth of firm texture.

2. Fixed; steady; constant; stable; unshaken; not easily moved; as a firm believer; a firm friend; a firm adherent or supporter; a firm man, or a man of firm resolution.

3. Solid; not giving way; opposed to fluid; as firm land.

FIRM, n. ferm. A partnership or house; or the name or title under which a company transact business; as the firm of Hope & Co.

FIRM, v.t. ferm. [L. firmo.] To fix; to settle; to confirm; to establish.

And Jove has firm'd it with an awful nod.

This word is rarely used, except in poetry. In prose, we use confirm.