Definitions
1.verbTo make shorter; to abbreviate.
2.verbTo become shorter.
3.verbTo make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).
4.verbTo make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, etc.
5.verbTo reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen."to shorten an allowance of food"
6.verbTo take in the slack of (a rope).
7.verbTo reduce (sail) by taking it in.