Thaw (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Thawed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Thawing.] [AS. �xed;awian, �xed;awan; akin to D. dovijen, G. tauen, thauen (cf. also verdauen 8digest, OHG. douwen, firdouwen), Icel. �xed;eyja, Sw. toa, Dan. toe, and perhaps to Gr. to melt. 56.]
1.
To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; -- said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws.
2.
To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; -- said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
3.
Fig.: To grow gentle or genial.
© Webster 1913.
Thaw, v. t.
To cause (frozen things, as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.
© Webster 1913.
Thaw, n.
The melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost; also, a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.