This is the 6573rd most frequent Dutch word.
verstijnen
"Verstijnen" is not a standard Dutch word; it may be a misspelling or non-standard usage.
Here, 'verstijnden' is used metaphorically to describe traditions becoming rigid or fixed in nature.
De oude tradities verstijnden langzaam over de jaren.
The old traditions slowly became rigid over the years.
In this sentence, 'verstijnden' conveys the literal stiffening effect of cold on the fingers.
Zijn vingers verstijnden door de koude wind.
His fingers became stiff due to the cold wind.
The verb 'verstijnden' is used here to express a reaction to fear, where the subject becomes physiologically stiff or immobile due to shock.