Obs. Also 5 wrecche, Sc. 7 wreche, 8–9 wratch. [f. the sb.]

1

  1.  trans. To render miserable.

2

a. 1513.  Fabyan, Chron., VII. (1811), 302. Ye fore namyd bisshop … contynuynge his tyrannyes,… greued ye bisshop of Wynchester, and wretchyd nygh all ye londe.

3

  2.  intr. To be or become niggardly or parsimonious. Sc.

4

a. 1598.  D. Fergusson, Sc. Prov. (S.T.S.), 10. As the carle riches he wretches [Kelly (1721), wratches].

5

1633.  W. Struther, True Happiness, 139. As the wretch wretcheth, the more he is enriched.

6

[1853.  Trench, Proverbs, 104 The more the carle riches he wretches.]

7