SHORTEN, v.t. short'n.
1. To make short in measure, extent or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.
2. To abridge; to lessen; as, to shorten labor or work.
3. To curtail; as, to shorten the hair by clipping.
4. To cintract; to lessen; to diminish in extent or amount; as, to shorten sail; to shorten an allowance of provisions.
5. To confine; to restrain.
Here where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain. Dryden.
6. To lop; to deprive.
The youth-shortened of his ears. Dryden.
SHORTEN, v.i. short'n.
1. To become short or shorter. The day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December.
2. To contract; as, a cord shortens by being wet; a metallic rod shortens by cold.
