Obs. [f. prec.]
1. To sharpen, quicken (a quality). rare.
1637. Nabbe, Microc., in Dodsl., O. Pl., IX. 163. As it acutes Sloth often into diligence, despair May be hope’s cause.
2. To pronounce or mark with an acute accent (perh. only in pple. ACUTED).
1751. Wesley, in Wks. 1872, XIV. 80. Monosyllables, unless contracted, are acuted.
1775. T. Sheridan, Reading, 115. Whereas every last syllable in the Scotch is acuted.
