Short"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Shortened ; p. pr. & vb. n. Shortening.] [See Short, a.]
1.
To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.
2.
To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.
Here, where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain.
Dryden.
3.
To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.
Spoiled of his nose, and shortened of his ears.
Dryden.
4.
To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.
To shorten a rope Naut., to take in the slack of it. -- To shorten sail Naut., to reduce sail by taking it in.
© Webster 1913.
Short"en, v. i.
To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.
© Webster 1913.