From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Prime \Prime\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Primed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Priming.] [From Prime, a.]
1. To apply priming to, as a musket or a cannon; to apply a
primer to, as a metallic cartridge.
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2. To lay the first color, coating, or preparation upon (a
surface), as in painting; as, to prime a canvas, a wall.
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3. To prepare; to make ready; to instruct beforehand; to
post; to coach; as, to prime a witness; the boys are
primed for mischief. [Colloq.] --Thackeray.
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4. To trim or prune, as trees. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
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5. (Math.) To mark with a prime mark.
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To prime a pump, to charge a pump with water, in order to
put it in working condition.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Priming \Prim"ing\, n.
1. The powder or other combustible used to communicate fire
to a charge of gunpowder, as in a firearm.
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2. (Paint.) The first coating of color, size, or the like,
laid on canvas, or on a building, or other surface.
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3. (Steam Eng.) The carrying over of water, with the steam,
from the boiler, as into the cylinder.
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Priming of the tide. See Lag of the tide, under 2d Lag.
Priming tube, a small pipe, filled with a combustible
composition for firing cannon.
Priming valve (Steam Eng.), a spring safety valve applied
to the cylinder of a steam engine for discharging water
carried into the cylinder by priming.
Priming wire, a pointed wire used to penetrate the vent of
a piece, for piercing the cartridge before priming.
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