Dictionary

chalken en · VERB

Etymology

From chalk + -en (verbal suffix).

Meanings

1. (ambitransitive, rare) To make or become dry or desiccated, like chalk
   • The group moved away from the main windows lest an observer psyche out their plot. The terror began to chalken Candy's face. 1979, Donald Thompson, Ancient Enemy, page 87:
   • "[…] Roundabout lay dozens of corpses, decayed, chalkened, dried to mummies, stiffened in an uncanny Toten-tanz." 1996, Thomas R. Nevin, Ernst Jünger and Germany: Into the Abyss, 1914-1945, page 47:
   • When he was half way to the vine-covered porch, the screen door opened quickly and Justina stepped forth. One look at her chalkened face served to inform the young physician that she was frightened. 1921, Medical Pickwick, volume 7, page 13:

Forms