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.
© Webster 1913.
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.]
© Webster 1913.
Re*lent" (r?-l?nt"), n.
Stay; stop; delay.
[Obs.]
Nor rested till she came without relent
Unto the land of Amazona.
Spenser.
© Webster 1913.