'To boil down' definitions:

Definition of 'To boil down'

From: GCIDE
  • Boil \Boil\, v. t.
  • 1. To heat to the boiling point, or so as to cause ebullition; as, to boil water. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To form, or separate, by boiling or evaporation; as, to boil sugar or salt. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To subject to the action of heat in a boiling liquid so as to produce some specific effect, as cooking, cleansing, etc.; as, to boil meat; to boil clothes. [1913 Webster]
  • The stomach cook is for the hall, And boileth meate for them all. --Gower. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To steep or soak in warm water. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • To try whether seeds be old or new, the sense can not inform; but if you boil them in water, the new seeds will sprout sooner. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • To boil down, to reduce in bulk by boiling; as, to boil down sap or sirup. [1913 Webster]