\Whim\, n. [Cf. {Whimbrel}.] (Zo["o]l.)
The European widgeon. [Prov. Eng.]

\Whim\, n. [Cf. Icel. hwima to wander with the eyes, vim
giddiness, Norw. kvima to whisk or flutter about, to trifle,
Dan. vimse to skip, whisk, jump from one thing to another,
dial. Sw. hvimsa to be unsteady, dizzy, W. chwimio to move
briskly.]
1. A sudden turn or start of the mind; a temporary
   eccentricity; a freak; a fancy; a capricious notion; a
   humor; a caprice.
         Let every man enjoy his whim.         --Churchill.
2. (Mining) A large capstan or vertical drum turned by horse
   power or steam power, for raising ore or water, etc., from
   mines, or for other purposes; -- called also {whim gin},
   and {whimsey}.
{Whim gin} (Mining), a whim. See {Whim}, 2.
{Whim shaft} (Mining), a shaft through which ore, water,
   etc., is raised from a mine by means of a whim.
Syn: Freak; caprice; whimsey; fancy.
Usage: {Whim}, {Freak}, {Caprice}. Freak denotes an
       impulsive, inconsiderate change of mind, as by a child
       or a lunatic. Whim is a mental eccentricity due to
       peculiar processes or habits of thought. Caprice is
       closely allied in meaning to freak, but implies more
       definitely a quality of willfulness or wantonness.

\Whim\, v. i.
To be subject to, or indulge in, whims; to be whimsical,
giddy, or freakish. [R.] --Congreve.