str. Obs. Forms: 1 *asteorfan, 2–3 asteorven, 3–4 asterve. Pa. pple. 1 astorfen, 3 astorve(n. [OE. asteorfan, f. A- pref. 1 + steorfan (str. intr.): see STARVE. Cf. OHG. arstërpan, istërban, MHG. ersterben. Before 1400 the strong and weak forms were levelled in asterve, which did not survive long enough to become astarve; cf. STARVE, and mod.G. ersterben.] intr. To die, esp. of hunger; to starve.

1

c. 1000.  Ælfric, in Wright, Voc., 61/1. Sideratus vel ictuatus, færunge astorfen.

2

a. 1230.  Ancr. R., 326. He not hweðer he schulle þet ilke daie uerliche asteoruen.

3

a. 1250.  Owl & Night., 1200. Ȝif deor schule ligge astorve.

4

c. 1380.  Sir Ferumb., 3058. Schamly for to asterue þer for hungre.

5