transitive verb whetted whet′·ted, whetting whet′·ting

1. to sharpen by rubbing or grinding (the edge of a knife or tool); hone
2. to make keen; stimulate to whet the appetite

Etymology: ME whetten < OE hwettan, to make keen < hwæt, sharp, keen, bold < IE base *kwed-, to pierce, sharpen, whet > prob. L (tri)quetrus, (three-)cornered

noun

1. an act of whetting
2. something that whets (the appetite, etc.)