stiffe

English

Adjective

stiffe (comparative more stiffe, superlative most stiffe)

1. Obsolete spelling of stiff.
   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 17, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:

     My hands are so stiffe and nummie, that I can hardly write for my selfe, so that what I have once scribled, I had rather frame it anew than take the paines to correct it; and I reade but little better.

   • 1614, Thomas Overbury, Characters:

     if he finds not good ſtore of vailers , vailers, hee comes home ſtiffe and ſeer

   • 1622, John Downame, “Of ſuch Reaſons as may mooue vs to abhor carnall ſecuritie, and to vſe all meanes either to preuent it, or to be freed from it” (chapter VIII), in A Guide to Godlynesse: or, A Treatise of A Christian Life, page 53:

     Thus alſo the wounded members are moſt hardly cured, when by much effuſion of blood and ſpirits they are become ſtiffe and benummed.

Middle English

Adjective

stiffe

1. Alternative form of stif

Adverb

stiffe

1. Alternative form of stif