To make short in measure, extent or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.

To abridge; to lessen; as, to shorten labor or work.

To curtail; as, to shorten the hair by clipping.

To cintract; to lessen; to diminish in extent or amount; as, to shorten sail; to shorten an allowance of provisions.

To confine; to restrain. Here where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain.

To lop; to deprive. The youth-shortened of his ears.

short’n.

To become short or shorter. The day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December.

To contract; as, a cord shortens by being wet; a metallic rod shortens by cold.