Stiff"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stiffened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stiffening.] [See Stiff.]
1.
tiono make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; as, to stiffen cloth with starch.
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.
Shak.
2.
To inspissate; to make more thick or viscous; as, to stiffen paste.
3.
To make torpid; to benumb.
© Webster 1913.
Stiff"en, v. i.
To become stiff or stiffer, in any sense of the adjective.
Like bristles rose my stiffening hair.
Dryden.
The tender soil then stiffening by degrees.
Dryden.
Some souls we see,
Grow hard and stiffen with adversity.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.