What does "putrefy" mean?

Putrefy: To corrupt; to make foul. Private suits do putrefy the public good. Bacon. They would but stink, and putrefy the air. Shak.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To make morbid, carious, or gangrenous; as, to putrefy an ulcer or wound.
  2. 3.To become putrid; to decay offensively; to rot. Isa.
  3. 4.6.

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