01 v. t. & i. To bring forth young.
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1.
To bring forth young.[Obs.]“The poor beast had but lately kindled.” — Holland.
Entry
5 senses · 3 variants
Webster, 1913
Kindle
02 v. t. To set on fire; to cause to burn with flame; to ignite; to cause to begin burning; to start; to light; as, to kindle a match, or shavings.
imp. & p. p.
Kindled; p. pr. & vb. n.
Kindling
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1.
To set on fire; to cause to burn with flame; to ignite; to cause to begin burning; to start; to light; as, to kindle a match, or shavings.“His breath kindleth coals.” — Job xii. 21.
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2.
Fig.: To inflame, as the passions; to rouse; to provoke; to excite to action; to heat; to fire; to animate; to incite; as, to kindle anger or wrath; to kindle the flame of love, or love into a flame.“So is a contentious man to kindle strife.” — Prov. xxvi. 21.“Nothing remains but that I kindle the boy thither.” — Shak.“Kindling her undazzled eyes at the full midday beam.” — Milton.“Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.” — Dryden.
03 v. i. To take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame.
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1.
To take fire; to begin to burn with flame; to start as a flame.“When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” — Is. xliii. 2.
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2.
To begin to be excited; to grow warm or animated; to be roused or exasperated.(Fig.)“On all occasions where forbearance might be called for, the Briton kindles, and the Christian gives way.” — I. Taylor.