I. ˈstärch transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English sterchen, probably from Old English * stercan to stiffen; akin to Old English stearc stiff — more at stark
Date: 15th century
: to stiffen with or as if with starch
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : a white odorless tasteless granular or powdery complex carbohydrate (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) x that is the chief storage form of carbohydrate in plants, is an important foodstuff, and is used also in adhesives and sizes, in laundering, and in pharmacy and medicine
2. : a stiff formal manner : formality
3. : resolute vigor