Thirst (?), n. [OE. thirst, þurst, AS. þurst, þyrst; akin to D. dorst, OS. thurst, G. durst, Icel. þorsti, Sw. & Dan. torst, Goth. þa�xa3;rstei thirst, þa�xa3;rsus dry, withered, þa�xa3;rsieþ mik I thirst, gaþa�xa1;rsan to wither, L. torrere to parch, Gr. te`rsesqai to become dry, tesai`nein to dry up, Skr. t&rsdot;sh to thirst. 54. Cf. Torrid.]
1.
A sensation of dryness in the throat associated with a craving for liquids, produced by deprivation of drink, or by some other cause (as fear, excitement, etc.) which arrests the secretion of the pharyngeal mucous membrane; hence, the condition producing this sensation.
Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, and our children . . . with thirst?
Ex. xvii. 3.
With thirst, with cold, with hunger so confounded.
Chaucer.
2.
Fig.: A want and eager desire after anything; a craving or longing; -- usually with for, of, or after; as, the thirst for gold.
"
Thirst of worldy good."
Fairfax. "The
thirst I had of knowledge."
Milton.
© Webster 1913.
Thirst, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Thirsted; p. pr. & vb. n. Thirsting.] [AS. yrstan. See Thirst, n.]
1.
To feel thirst; to experience a painful or uneasy sensation of the throat or fauces, as for want of drink.
The people thirsted there for water.
Ex. xvii. 3.
2.
To have a vehement desire.
My soul thirsteth for . . . the living God.
Ps. xlii. 2.
© Webster 1913.
Thirst, v. t.
To have a thirst for.
[R.]
He seeks his keeper's flesh, and thirsts his blood.
Prior.
© Webster 1913.