lithen

present singular third person lithens · participle present lithening · participle past lithened · past lithened

1. archaicTo make lithe, soften; to ease, mitigate

   "[…] I only know that for well-nigh all the stricken he hath lithened the fever, and that he hath recalled to life many an one whom the chirurgeon had given over to the chaplain."

   1914, Mary Johnston, Sir Mortimer, page 278

   1 more example

   “Nay, daughter, when thou art as old as Notte it will be time enough to reckon years!” returned the dark-skinned sybil, lithening the stiff folds of a viper in a blue oil, which cast out a noisome perfume as she stirred it.

   1874, Emma Robinson, Cæsar Borgia

present singular third person lithens · participle present lithening · participle past lithened · past lithened

1. dialectalTo thicken a broth or gravy with a thickening agent (e.g. flour, oatmeal, etc.)