1. To flash; to burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with an instantaneous illumination.
This dreadful night that thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars as doth the lion.
2. To shine like lightning.
3. To fall; to light. Obs.
LIGHTEN, v.t. li'tn.
1. To dissipate darkness; to fill with light; to spread over with light; to illuminate; to enlighten; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets.
A key of fire ran all along the shore, and lightened all the river with a blaze.
2. To illuminate with knowledge; in a moral sense.
A light to lighten the Gentiles. Luke 2.
3. To free from trouble and fill with joy.
They looked to him and were lightened. Psa 34.
LIGHTEN, v.t. li'tn. [from light, not heavy.]
1. To make lighter; to reduce in weight; to make less heavy; as, to lighten a ship by unloading; to lighten a load or burden.
2. To alleviate; to make less burdensome or afflictive; as, to lighten the cares of life; to lighten the burden of grief.
3. To cheer; to exhilarate.
He lightens my humor with his merry jest.
