v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Shortened; p. pr. & vb. n. Shortening. ] [ See Short, a. ] 1. To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Here, where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of. [ 1913 Webster ]

Spoiled of his nose, and shortened of his ears. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

To shorten a rope (Naut.), to take in the slack of it. --
To shorten sail (Naut.), to reduce sail by taking it in. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, shortens. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act of making or becoming short or shorter. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Cookery) That which renders pastry short or friable, as butter, lard, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]