Noah Webster
Deaden
DEAD'EN, verb transitive ded'n.
1. To deprive of a portion of vigor, force or sensation; to abate vigor or action; as, to deaden the force of a ball; to deaden the natural powers or feelings.
2. To blunt; to render less susceptible or feeling; as, to deaden the motion of a ship or of the wind.
3. To retard; to lessen velocity or motion; as, to deaden the motion of a ship or of the wind.
4. To diminish spirit; to make vapid or spiritless; as, to deaden wine or beer.
DEAD'-EYE, noun ded'-eye. Among seamen, a round flattish wooden block, encircled by a rope, or an iron band, and pierced with holes, to receive the laniard, used to extend the shrouds and stays, and for other purposes.
DEAD'-HEARTED, adjective Having a dull, faint heart.