Aim

To give aim, to stand aloof. A term in archery, meaning to stand within a convenient distance from the butts, to give the archers information how near their arrows fall to the mark aimed at.

“But, gentle people, give me aim awhile,

For nature puts me to a heavy task;

Stand all aloof.”

Shakespeare: Titus Andronicus, v. 3.

To cry aim. To applaud, encourage. In archery it was customary to appoint certain persons to cry aim, for the sake of encouraging those who were about to shoot.

“All my neighbours shall cry aim.”

Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor, iii. 2.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.