pare

(verb) decrease gradually or bit by bit. Synonyms: pare down.

(verb) cut small bits or pare shavings from. Synonyms: whittle. Example: "Whittle a piece of wood."

(verb) strip the skin off. Synonyms: skin, peel. Example: "Pare apples."

(verb) remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size. Synonyms: trim. Examples: "Pare one's fingernails." "Trim the photograph." "Trim lumber."