Chasten \Chas"ten\ (ch[=a]"s'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Chastened
   (-s'nd); p.
         pr. & vb. n. Chastening.] [OE.
         chastien, OF.
   Chastier,
         F. Ch?tier, fr. L. castigare to punish, chastise;
   castus
         pure + agere to lead, drive. See Chaste, Act, and
  
         cf. Castigate,
         Chastise.]
   1. To
         correct by
         punishment; to inflict pain upon the purpose
      of
         reclaiming; to discipline; as, to chasten a son with a
    
          rod.
      [1913 Webster]

            For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. --Heb. xii.
                                                  6.
      [1913
         Webster]

   2. To purify from errors or faults; to
         refine.
      [1913 Webster]

            They [classics] chasten and enlarge the mind, and
            excite to noble actions.              --Layard.

  
         Syn: To chastise; punish; correct; discipline; castigate;
 
               afflict; subdue; purify.

   Usage: To Chasten,
         Punish, Chastise. To
         chasten is to
          subject to affliction or trouble, in order to produce
          a general change for the better in life or character.
          To punish is to inflict penalty for violation of law,
          disobedience to authority, or intentional wrongdoing.
          To chastise is to punish a particular offense, as with
          stripes, especially with the hope that suffering or
          disgrace may prevent a repetition of faults.
          [1913 Webster]