Thirst
thirst (?), n. (OE. thirst,turst, AS. turst, tyrst; akin to D.
dorst, OS. thurst, G. durst, Icel.
torsti, Sw. rst, Goth.
taurstei thirst, taursus dry,
withered, taursiet mik I thirst,
gatairsan to wither, L. torrere to parch, Gr.
tersesqai to become dry, tesainein to dry up, Skr.
trsh to thirst. r54. Cf. Torrid.)
1. A sensation of dryness in the throat associated
with a craving for liquids, produced by deprivation of drink, or by some
other cause (as fear, excitement, etc.) which arrests the secretion of the
pharyngeal mucous membrane; hence, the condition producing this
sensation.
Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt,
to kill us, and our children . . . with thirst? Ex.
xvii. 3.
With thirst, with cold, with hunger so
confounded. Chaucer.
2. Fig.: A want and eager desire after anything; a
craving or longing; -- usually with for, of, or after;
as, the thirst for gold. Thirst of worldy good.
Fairfax. The thirst I had of knowledge. Milton.
thirst , v. t. (imp. p. pr. yrstan. See Thirst, n.)
1. To feel thirst; to experience a painful or uneasy
sensation of the throat or fauces, as for want of drink.
The people thirsted there for water.
Ex. xvii. 3.
2. To have a vehement desire.
My soul thirsteth for . . . the living
God. Ps. xlii. 2.
thirst , v. t. To have a thirstfor. (R.)
He seeks his keepers flesh, and thirsts his
blood. Prior.
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