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Webster 1913 Edition
Barm
Barm
(bärm)
, Noun.
[OE.
berme
, AS. beorma
; akin to Sw. bärma
, G. bärme
, and prob. L. fermentum
. √93.] Foam rising upon beer, or other malt liquors, when fermenting, and used as leaven in making bread and in brewing; yeast.
Shak.
Barm
,Noun.
[OE.
bearm
, berm
, barm
, AS. bearm
; akin to E. bear
to support.] The lap or bosom.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
Webster 1828 Edition
Barm
B'ARM
,Noun.
Yeast; the scum rising upon beer, or other malt liquors, when fermenting, and used as leaven in bread to make it swell, causing it to be softer, lighter, and more delicate. It may be used in liquors to make them ferment or work.