2. To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to
lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to
shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.
Here, where the subject is so fruitful, I am
shortened by my chain. --Dryden.
3. To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.
Spoiled of his nose, and shortened of his ears.
--Dryden.
4. To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard,
pot liquor, or the like.
{To shorten a rope} (Naut.), to take in the slack of it.
{To shorten sail} (Naut.), to reduce sail by taking it in.
2. (Cookery) That which renders pastry short or friable, as
butter, lard, etc.