rigescence|rɪˈdʒɛsəns| [f. L. rigescĕre to become stiff.] Stiffening. 1768Woman of Honor III. 5 Such particles..increase the obstructions and rigescence..natural to that time of life.1846Trench Mirac. xxvii. 362 note, The stiffness and starkness, the unnatural rigescence of the limbs.