Soothe (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Soothed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Soothing.] [Originally, to assent to as true; OE. soien to verify, AS. gesian to prove the truth of, to bear witness. See Sooth, a.]

1.

To assent to as true.

[Obs.]

Testament of Love.

2.

To assent to; to comply with; to gratify; to humor by compliance; to please with blandishments or soft words; to flatter.

Good, my lord, soothe him, let him take the fellow. Shak.

I've tried the force of every reason on him, Soothed and caressed, been angry, soothed again. Addison.

3.

To assuage; to mollify; to calm; to comfort; as, to soothe a crying child; to soothe one's sorrows.

Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. Congreve.

Though the sound of Fame May for a moment soothe, it can not slake The fever of vain longing. Byron.

Syn. -- To soften; assuage; allay; compose; mollify; tranquilize; pacify; mitigate.

 

© Webster 1913.