whet

To hone or rub on with some substance, as a piece of stone, for the purpose of sharpening – see whetstone.

Why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?

And the Mower whets his ſithe,

To stimulate or make more keen.

to whet one's appetite or one's courage

Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, / I have not slept.

To preen.

The act of whetting something.

That which whets or sharpens; especially, an appetizer.

sips, drams, and whets

To make a nice Whet before Dinner […]