writhen

[ rith-uhn ]

adjective

, Archaic.

1. twisted.

writhen

/ ˈrɪðən /

verb

1. a past participle of writhe

adjective

1. twisted; distorted

Word History and Origins

Origin of writhen¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English; writhe, -en ²

Example Sentences

They lit a fire in a hollow, down among the roots of a spreading hawthorn, tall as a tree, writhen with age, but hale in every limb.

From Literature

Each grain of writhen dust, that drapes That sickly, staring shore, Its old chaotic change of shapes Remembers evermore.

From Project Gutenberg

Methought his detestable features at length enlarged, moved, and were writhen in mockery and scorn.

From Project Gutenberg

Chester Kent stooped over the writhen face, again peering close.

From Project Gutenberg

But it seemed as though by a fire within Her writhen limbs were wrung; And as soon as the King was close to her, She stood up gaunt and strong.

From Project Gutenberg