The Only Use of
wither
in
King Lear
- I fear your disposition: That nature which contemns it origin Cannot be bordered certain in itself; She that herself will sliver and disbranch From her material sap, perforce must wither And come to deadly use.†
Scene 4.2
Definitions:
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(1)
(wither as in: wither on the vine) to shrivel (wrinkle and contract -- usually from lack of water)
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(2)
(wither as in: her confidence withered) to become weaker--sometimes to get smaller and disappear
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(3)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) Much less commonly, Withers can be a last name.