I. ˈdərth, ˈdə̄th, ˈdəith noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English derthe, from dere costly, dear + -the -th — more at dear
1. obsolete : dearness : highness of price
2. : scarcity that makes dear : want ; specifically : famine
there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt — Acts 7:11 (Authorized Version)
3. : lack of a present necessity : deficiency or inadequate supply of something (as news) or of some quality (as courage)
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English derthen, from derthe, n.
obsolete : to make scarce, dear, or high-priced