Relented

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.]
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              He stirred the coals till relente gan
              The wax again the fire.               --Chaucer.
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              [Salt of tartar] placed in a cellar will . . . begin
              to relent.                            --Boyle.
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              When opening buds salute the welcome day,
              And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray. --Pope.
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     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.
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              Can you . . . behold
              My sighs and tears, and will not once relent?
                                                    --Shak.
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