English

Alternative forms

• death stiffness

Noun

death-stiffness ‎(uncountable)

1. Temporary stiffness of the body's muscles and joints following death; rigor mortis.
   • 1869, The Student, and Intellectual Observer - Volume 2 - Page 146:

     If the muscles of cold-blooded animals are heated to a temperature of 40° C, the " warmth-rigidity" (Wärmestarre), a condition very similar to death-stiffness, is superinduced. The cause of the death-stiffness and warmth-stiffness, is in the fact that certain fluid ingredients [...]

   • 1878, United States. Dept. of Agriculture, Report - Page 517:

     Before death stiffness occurs in the hind parts, generally in one hip or leg; the head and ears droop, and dullness and stupor are observed.