from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Boil \Boil\, v. t.
1. To heat to the boiling point, or so as to cause
ebullition; as, to boil water.
[1913 Webster]
2. To form, or separate, by boiling or evaporation; as, to
boil sugar or salt.
[1913 Webster]
3. To subject to the action of heat in a boiling liquid so as
to produce some specific effect, as cooking, cleansing,
etc.; as, to boil meat; to boil clothes.
[1913 Webster]
The stomach cook is for the hall,
And boileth meate for them all. --Gower.
[1913 Webster]
4. To steep or soak in warm water. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
To try whether seeds be old or new, the sense can
not inform; but if you boil them in water, the new
seeds will sprout sooner. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
{To boil down}, to reduce in bulk by boiling; as, to boil
down sap or sirup.
[1913 Webster]