Category:Relent

Re*lent" (r-lnt"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Relented; p. pr. & vb. n. Relenting.] Etym: [f. ralentir, fr. L. pref. re- re- + ad to + lentus Pliant, flexible, slow. See lithe.]

1. To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to Deliquesce. [obs.] He stirred the coals till relente gan the wax again the fire. Chaucer. [salt of tartar] placed in a cellar will. . . begin to relent. Boyle. When opening buds salute the welcome day, and earth, relenting, feels The genial ray. Pope.

2. To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, Cruel, or the like; to soften in temper; to become more mild and Tender; to feel compassion. Can you. . . behold my sighs and tears, and will not once relent Shak.

Relent Re*lent", v. t.

1. To slacken; to abate. [obs.] And oftentimes he would relent his pace. Spenser.

2. To soften; to dissolve. [obs.]

3. To mollify ; to cause to be less harsh or severe. [obs.]

Relent Re*lent" (r-lnt"), n.

Defn: stay; stop; delay. [obs.] Nor rested till she came without relent unto the land of amazona. Spenser.