stiff

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stiff not flexible, rigid, OE.; (dial.) stalwart; (of wind) strong, steady XIII; steep so as to be difficult XVIII. OE. stīf, corr. to MLG., MDu. stīf (Du. stijf), ON. stífr :- Gmc. *stīfaz; rel. to L. stīpāre press, pack, stīpes stake, Lith. stiprùs strong.
Hence stiffen (-EN5) XVI.

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