[sear] var of sere
[2]sear vb [ME seren, fr. OE searian to become sere, fr. sear sere] vi (bef. 12c): to cause withering or drying ~ vt 1: to make withered and dry: parch
2: to burn, scorch, or injure with or as if with sudden application of intense heat -- sear.ing.ly adv [3]sear n (1874): a mark or scar left by searing [4]sear n [prob. fr. MF serre grasp, fr. serrer to press, grasp, fr. LL serare to bolt, latch, fr. L sera bar for fastening a door] (1596): the catch that holds the hammer of a gun's lock at cock or half cock