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(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. Relent" 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.] Relent" (r?-l?nt"), n.Stay; stop; delay. [Obs.] Nor rested till she came without relent Unto the land of Amazons. Spenser. スポンサード リンク
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