Stärch1, n.
n. [From starch, stiff; Ger. stärke, from stärken, to strengthen, stiffen, starch, from stark, strong, Sw. stärkelse, from stärka, to strengthen, stiffen.]
Sense 1. A granular substance of organic origin, which, when dry, has the appearance of a white, glistering powder, without marked taste or smell, and which gives a very peculiar sound when rubbed between the fingers. It is found in almost all plants, and some few animals. It has nearly the same composition as sugar, and is convertible into this by chemical and vital processes. When highly heated, starch becomes changed into a gummy substance, known as dextrine or British gum, which is largely used for stiffening cloth.
Sense 2. A stiff, formal manner. Addison.