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.
