lithen

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪðən/

Etymology 1

From Middle English *lithnien, equivalent to lithe +‎ -en.

Verb

lithen (third-person singular simple present lithens, present participle lithening, simple past and past participle lithened)

1. (archaic) To make lithe, soften; to ease, mitigate
   • 1874, Emma Robinson, Cæsar Borgia:

     “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.

   • 1914, Mary Johnston, Sir Mortimer, page 278:

     " […] 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."

Etymology 2

From lithe (“a mixture of oatmeal and water”) +‎ -en.

Verb

lithen (third-person singular simple present lithens, present participle lithening, simple past and past participle lithened)

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