writhen

American  

[rith-uhn] / ˈrɪð ən /

adjective

Archaic.

1. twisted.

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writhen British  

/ ˈrɪðən /

verb

1. a past participle of writhe

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adjective

1. twisted; distorted

Etymology

Origin of writhen

before 900; Middle English, Old English; see writhe, -en ²

Example Sentences

They lit a fire in a hollow, down among the roots of a spreading hawthorn, tall as a tree, writhen with age, but hale in every limb.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Keen rushed the light In quivering splendor from the writhen flash; Strong though they were, intolerable smote Their orbs of sight, and with bedimming glare Scorched up their blasted vision.

From Mosaics of Grecian History by Willson, Marcius

But it seemed as though by a fire within Her writhen limbs were wrung; And as soon as the King was close to her, She stood up gaunt and strong.

From Heroines That Every Child Should Know Tales for Young People of the World's Heroines of All Ages by Various

Chester Kent stooped over the writhen face, again peering close.

From The Secret of Lonesome Cove by Adams, Samuel Hopkins

She cast one timid glance toward him, then dropped her gaze, revolted at the grotesque grimaces writhen by the man’s emotions.

From Heart of the Blue Ridge by Baily, Waldron