v. i. To become stiff or stiffer, in any sense of the adjective. [ 1913 Webster ]
Like bristles rose my stiffening hair. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
The tender soil then stiffening by degrees. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
Some souls we see,
Grow hard and stiffen with adversity. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who, or that which, stiffens anything, as a piece of stiff cloth in a cravat. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
Stiffening order (Com.),