Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SEAR, v.t. [Sax. searan; Gr. αζηρεω, to dry; ξηραινω, to dry, to parch; ξηρος, dry; σειρ, the sun; σειρεω, to dry. Qu. L. torreo, in a different dialect.]

1. To burn to dryness and hardness the surface of any thing; to cauterize; to expose to a degree of heat that changes the color of the surface, or makes it hard; as, to scar the skin or flesh. I'm sear'd with burning steel. Rowe. Sear is allied to scorch in signification; but it is applied primarily to animal flesh, and has special reference to the effect of heat in making the surface hard. Scorch is applied to flesh, cloth or any other substance, and has no reference to the effect of hardness.
2. To wither; to dry. – Shak.
3. To make callous or insensible. Having their conscience seared with a hot iron. – 1 Tim. i. To sear up, to close by searing or cauterizing; to stop. Cherish veins of good humor, and sear up those of ill. – Temple.