I. ˈhwet, ˈwet transitive verb
( whet·ted ; whet·ting )
Etymology: Middle English whetten, from Old English hwettan; akin to Old High German wezzen to whet, waz sharp
Date: before 12th century
1. : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone)
whet a knife
2. : to make keen or more acute : excite , stimulate
whet the appetite
whetted her curiosity
• whet·ter noun
II. noun
Date: circa 1628
1. dialect
a. : a spell of work done with a scythe between the time it is sharpened and the time it needs to be sharpened again
b. : time , while
2. : something that sharpens or makes keen:
a. : goad , incitement
b. : appetizer ; also : a drink of liquor