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relenting |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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.
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