1. a material or device used to make something stiff or more rigid
2. an alcoholic drink taken to give courage or strength
Usage: informal

Examples

• The collar requires a stiffener to maintain its shape.
• She inserted plastic stiffeners into the fabric to keep it upright.
• The engineer added metal stiffeners to reinforce the beam.
• He needed a stiffener before giving his speech.
• The tailor used interfacing as a stiffener for the jacket lapels.
• After the bad news, she poured herself a stiffener.
• The cardboard stiffener prevented the envelope from bending.