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"