I.
variant of sere
II. ˈsir verb
Etymology: Middle English seren, from Old English sēarian to become dry, from sēar sere
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
: to cause withering or drying
transitive verb
1. : to make withered and dry : parch
2.
a. : to burn, scorch, mark, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heat
b. : to cook the surface of quickly with intense heat
sear a steak
III. noun
Date: 1874
: a mark or scar left by searing
IV. noun
Etymology: probably from Middle French serre grasp, from serrer to press, grasp, from Old French, from Late Latin serare to bolt, latch, from Latin sera bar for fastening a door
Date: 1596
: the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock