noun
- a material or device used to make something stiff or more rigid
- 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.