An archaic or dialectal word meaning to grasp, seize, or take hold of something.
From Old English 'hentan,' of uncertain origin, possibly related to 'hent' meaning a joint or hinge. The word was common in Middle English literature but declined into dialect use.
You'll find 'hent' in medieval literature like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ('he hent her in his arms'), but it perfectly shows how English constantly discards old words—we just use 'grab' or 'seize' now!
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