Dictionary entry

Martyr (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Mar″tyr (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Martyred (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Martyring.] 1. To put to death for adhering to some belief, esp. Christianity; to sacrifice on account of faith or profession. Bp. Pearson.

2. To persecute; to torment; to torture. Chaucer.

The lovely Amoret, whose gentle heart

Thou martyrest with sorrow and with smart. Spenser.

Racked with sciatics, martyred with the stone. Pope.