DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Stiff·en v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stiffened p. pr. & vb. n. Stiffening.]
 1. To make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; as, to stiffen cloth with starch.
    Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.   --Shak.
 2. To inspissate; to make more thick or viscous; as, to stiffen paste.
 3. To make torpid; to benumb.

 stiffened
      adj 1: made or become difficult to move or bend; "felt the pain of
             stiffened joints"
      2: stiffened or reinforced with wire; "stiffened brassieres"