ˈscarcen, v. Now dial. (see E.D.D.).
Also 6–7 scarsen.
[f. scarce a. + -en5. Cf. scarce v.]
1. trans. To make meagre or lean.
| 1594 Carew Huarte's Exam. Wits (1616) 329 These three things..scarsen and drie vp the flesh, and their contraries, fatten and enlarge the same. |
2. intr. To become scarce.
| 1803 W. Taylor in Ann. Rev. I. 387/2 If drafts abound on a particular place, they tend to sink in value. If drafts scarcen on a particular place, they tend to rise in value. |