资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stiffen \Stiff"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Stiffened}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Stiffening}.] [See {Stiff}.]
   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.

资料来源 : WordNet®

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"