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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Thicken

Thick'en, v. t.

verbtransitive

(thĭk'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. THICKENED; p. pr. & vb. n. THICKENING.] [A-S. thiccian.] To make thick, in any of the senses of the word; as, (a.) To render dense; to inspissate; as, to thicken paint, and the like. (b.) To make close; to fill up interstices in; as, to thicken cloth; to thicken ranks of trees or men. (c.) To strengthen; to confirm. [Obs.] And this may help to thicken other proofs. Shak. (d.) To make frequent, or more frequent; as, to thicken blows.

Thick'en, v. i.

verbintransitive

(thĭk'n), v. i. To become thick in any of the senses of the word; as, (a.) To become more dense; to be inspissated; as, fog thickens; vegetable juices thicken. (b.) To become consolidated; to concrete; as, the juices of plants thicken into wood. (c.) To become dark or obscure.

Thy luster thickens When he shines by. Shak.

(d.) To become close, or more close or numerous; to crowd; to press.

The press of people thickens to the court. Dryden.

(e.) To become quick and animated.

The combat thickens, like the storm that flies. Dryden.