1. Made of Wax:
- Waxen refers to something formed or made of wax, a pliable substance created by honey bees. Here are a few examples from Shakespeare's works:
- "This precious stone...
More worth than pearls of Ind, more rich in worth
Than all the gold of Ophir. See, see how he
Lays forth the waxen model of our queen!"
(Richard II, Act III, Scene ii)
- "O cunning witchcraft, now thou show'st thy might!
I'll bury thee within his waxen tomb.
And thou shalt be my heaven. My bed shall be
A tomb to cover o'er thy waxen tomb."
(Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene ii)
2. Waxy or Wax-Like:
- Waxen can also describe the quality or characteristic of something that resembles wax, such as its texture, color, or malleability.
- "My heart will burst, and if I keep silence,
I die. Thou, Cressid, of my soul belov'd,
I'll write to. See, behold I'll send my heart before;
This hand hath writ more, yet I still remain waxen,
Soft, melting waxen"
(Troilus and Cressida, Act III, Scene ii)
- "The time of day?
The same my lord I see by daylight here the moon waxen
pale."
(The Tempest, Act II, Scene i)
In addition to these primary meanings, waxen can also be used poetically to connote fleetingness, fragility, or impermanence, just like wax can be easily molded, melted, or changed. Ultimately, the context of Shakespeare's plays gives further clues to the specific intent and shade of meaning for the word "waxen" in each instance.