To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen.
To take in the slack of (a rope).
To reduce (sail) by taking it in.
To become shorter.
To make shorter; to abbreviate.
To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, etc.
To make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).
To keep erect; to support; to sustain; to keep from falling
To hold up; to lift on high; to elevate.
To support by approval or encouragement, to confirm (something which has been questioned)