Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STIFF-EN, v.t. [stif'n; Sax. stifian; Sw. styfna; D. styven; G. steifen; Dan. stivner, to stiffen, to starch.]

1. To make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; as, to stiffen cloth with starch. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart from turning to the Lord God of Israel. – 2 Chron. xxxvi. Stiffen the sinews; summon up the blood. – Shak.
2. To make torpid; as, stiffening grief. – Dryden.
3. To inspissate; to make more thick or viscous; as, to stiffen paste.