Thirst

(18), n. [A-S. thurst, thyrst, O. Sax. thurst, Goth. thaurstei, Icel. thorsti, Sw. & Dan. törst, D. dorst, L. Ger. dost, O. & N. H. Ger. durst. See infra.]

1Sense 1. The desire, uneasiness, or suffering, occasioned by want of drink; vehement desire for drink.

Wherefore is it that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, and our children, and our cattle, with thirst? Ex. xvii. 3.

2Sense 2. A want and eager desire after any thing;—usually with for, sometimes with of. “Thirst of worldly good.” Fairfax. “Thirst of knowledge.” Milton.

Fame is the thirst of youth. Byron.

3Sense 3. Dryness; drought.

The rapid current, through veins Of porous earth with kindly thirst updrawn, Rose a fresh fountain. Milton.

v. i. [imp. & p. p. THIRSTED; p. pr. & vb. n. THIRSTING.] [A-S. thyrstan, O. Sax. thurstian, Goth. thaurstjan, Icel. thyrsta, Sw. törsta, Dan. törste, D. dorsten, D. Ger. dösten, O. H. Ger. durstan, for durstjan, N. H. Ger. dürsten; allied to Goth. thaürsan, to be dry, thaürsus, dry, Gr. τέρ-σεσθαι, to be or become dry, Lat. torrere, to dry, Skr. trish, to thirst.] 1. To experience a painful sensation of the throat, or fauces, for want of drink;— with for. The people thirsted there for water. Ex. xvii. 3. 2. To have a vehement desire. My soul thirsteth for . . . the living God. Ps. xlii. 2.