Priming

1. The powder or other combustible used to communicate fire to a charge of gunpowder, as in a firearm.
2. (Paint.) The first coating of color, size, or the like, laid on canvas, or on a building, or other surface.
3. (Steam Eng.) The carrying over of water, with the steam, from the boiler, as into the cylinder.
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.