wk. Obs. Forms: 1 asterfan, astyrfan, astærfan, 4 asterve. [OE. astęrfen, f. A- pref. 1 + stęrfen (weak trans.): see STARVE. Cf. OHG. arsterpan, MHG. ersterben, and see prec.] trans. To kill, destroy; to starve out.
c. 975. Rushw. Gosp., Matt. xv. 13. Wæstmaseten þa þe ne sette fæder min … astærfed bið.
a. 1000. Crist (Grein), 192. Stánum astyrfed.
1340. Ayenb., 240. He ssel … wyþdraȝe þe metes and þet weter uor to asterue … þe castel. Þe castel of þe wombe … is asterued be uestinges.
