P'ARCH, verb transitive [I know not from what source we have received this word. It corresponds in elements with the Italian bruciare, to burn or roast. Qu. Latin peraresco.] 1. To burn the surface of a thing; to scorch; as, to parch the skin; to parch corn. 2. To dry to extremity; as, the heat of the sun's rays parches the ground; the mouth is parched with thirst. P'ARCH, verb intransitive To be scorched or superficially burnt; as, corn will dry and parch into barley. 1. To become very dry.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI