parch

P`ARCH, v.t. [I know not from what source we have received this word. It corresponds in elements with the Italian bruciare, to burn or roast. Qu. L. peraresco.]

1. To burn the surface of a thing; to scorch; as, to parch the skin; to parch corn.

2. To dry to extremity; as, the heat of the sun's rays parches the ground; the mouth is parched with thirst.

P`ARCH, v.i. To be scorched or superficially burnt; as, corn will dry and parch into barley.

1. To become very dry.