Len"i*tive (-t&ibreve;v), a. [Cf. F. lénitif. See Lenient.] Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.

Len"i*tive, n. [Cf. F. lénitif.] 1. (Med.) (a) A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain or protecting from the action of irritants. (b) A mild purgative; a laxative.

2. That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative.

There is one sweet lenitive at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep.