† worthenv.
Obsolete.
1. transitive. To earn, win.Apparently an isolated use.
Π
1868 C. Lofft Ernest (ed. 2) vi. 111 We have a world To win, with only zeal and fiery will To help us win it: therefore, stay not here—But thither, where our stay hath likelihood To worthen it [1839 (ed. 1) to win it].
2. transitive. To increase the worth of. Opposed to cheapen.Apparently an isolated use.
ΘΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > good repute > reputability or honourableness > render reputable or respectable [verb (transitive)] > raise in worth
worthen1894
1894 ‘G. Egerton’ Discords 241 Woman has cheapened herself..through ignorant innocence, she must learn to worthen herself by all-seeing knowledge.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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