Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Relent?

\Re*lent"\ (r?-l?nt"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Relented}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Relenting}.] [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.
\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.]
\Re*lent"\ (r?-l?nt"), n. Stay; stop; delay. [Obs.] Nor rested till she came without relent Unto the land of Amazons. --Spenser.