from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Martyr \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.
[1913 Webster]
2. To persecute; to torment; to torture. --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
The lovely Amoret, whose gentle heart
Thou martyrest with sorrow and with smart.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
Racked with sciatics, martyred with the stone.
--Pope.
[1913 Webster]