Stiff"-tailed` (?), a. (Zoöl.) Having the quill feathers of the tail
somewhat rigid.
Sti"fle (?), n. [From Stiff.] (Far.) The joint next above the hock, and
near the flank, in the hind leg of the horse and allied animals; the
joint corresponding to the knee in man; -- called also stifle joint.
See Illust. under Horse.
Stifle bone, a small bone at the stifle joint; the patella, or kneepan.
Sti"fle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stifled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stifling
(?).] [Freq. of OE. stif stiff; cf. Icel. stfla to dam up.] 1. To stop
the breath of by crowding something into the windpipe, or introducing
an irrespirable substance into the lungs; to choke; to suffocate; to
cause the death of by such means; as, to stifle one with smoke or dust.
Stifled with kisses, a sweet death he dies.
Dryden.