whet

Everyday

1. To whet is to sharpen a blade by rubbing it on a stone. tree →
2. To whet an appetite is to make it stronger. tree →

In the lessons

in tales, a knife is whetted on a stone before it is used

Examples

• He whetted the knife on a great stone. tree →
• The smell whetted my appetite. tree →
• Whet the blade slowly and carefully. tree →

Note

nothing for maths

In Jewish tradition

God "whets" His sword in a poem about judgment; in Egypt, not even a dog would "sharpen" its tongue, meaning growl, at Israel.

Interpretation. The quiet of the dogs on the night of the Exodus is read as a sign of God's care, setting Israel apart from Egypt.

Examples

• If I whet My glittering sword, and My hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to Mine adversaries, and will recompense them that hate Me. (Torah DEU.32.41, JPS 1917) tree →
• But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog whet his tongue, against man or beast; that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. (Torah EXO.11.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who have whet their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrow, a poisoned word; (Writings PSA.64.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• If a man turn not, He will whet His sword, He hath bent His bow, and made it ready; (Writings PSA.7.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace; none whetted his tongue against any of the children of Israel. (Prophets JOS.10.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

nothing for maths