Thick"en (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Thickened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Thickening.]
To make thick (in any sense of the word).
Specifically: --
(a)
To render dense; to inspissate; as, to thicken paint.
(b)
To make close; to fill up interstices in; as, to thicken cloth; to thicken ranks of trees or men.
(c)
To strengthen; to confirm.
[Obs.]
And this may to thicken other proofs.
Shak.
(d)
To make more frequent; as, to thicken blows.
© Webster 1913.
Thick"en, v. i.
To become thick.
"Thy luster
thickens when he shines by."
Shak.
The press of people thickens to the court.
Dryden.
The combat thickens, like the storm that flies.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.