Whēt1, v. t.
(hwĕt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. WHETTED; p. pr. & vb. n. WHETTING.] [A-S. hwettan, Icel. hvetja, hvessa, Sw. vässa, hvessa, Dan. hvæsse, L. Ger. & D. wetten, O. H. Ger. huazzan, wezzan, N. H. Ger. wetzen, from A-S. hwēt, O. Sax. hwat, Icel. hvattr, Goth. & Sw. hvass, Dan. hvas, O. H. Ger. hwas, sharp.]
Sense 1. To rub for the purpose of sharpening, as an edge-tool; to sharpen by attrition.
The mower whets his scythe. Milton.
Sense 2. To make sharp, keen, or eager; to excite; to stimulate; as, to whet the appetite.
Sense 3. To stir up; to excite; to provoke; to make angry or acrimonious.
Since Cassius first did whet me against Cesar, I have not slept. Shak.
To whet on, or whet forward, to urge on or forward; to instigate. Shak.