STIFFEN

stiffen. Stiffen, v. to make stiff, to grow or become stiff

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Stiff″en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stiffened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stiffening.] [[See Stiff.]] 1. 1. To make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; as, to stiffen cloth with starch.
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood. Shak. 2. 2. To inspissate; to make more thick or viscous; as, to stiffen paste.
3. 3. To make torpid; to benumb.