Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PARCH, v.t. [I know not from what source we have received this word. It corresponds in elements with the Italian bruciare, to burn, or roast. Qu. L. peraresco.]

1. To burn the surface of a thing; to scorch; as, to parch the skin; to parch corn.
2. To dry to extremity; as, the heat of the sun's rays parches the ground; the mouth is parched with thirst. – Milton. Dryden.