v. Obs. [f. WELK v.1 + -EN5.] intr. To wither, fade.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XI. ix. (Tollemache MS.). Hore froste makeþ herbes and floures up on þe which he falleþ welkenen.
14[?]. A Goodly Balade, 52, in Chaucers Wks. (1532), 234 b. Myn hert welkeneth thus sone.
Hence † Welkening vbl. sb. Obs.
c. 1450. Mirour Saluacioun (Roxb.), 144. There is the flouer of ȝouthede yt neure shal knawe welknyng.