1. To soften; to become less rigid or hard; to give.
In some houses, sweetmeats will relent more than in others.
When op'ning buds salute the welcome day, and earth relenting feels the genial ray.
[This sense of the word is admissible in poetry, but is not in common use.]
2. To grow moist; to deliquesce; applied to salts; as the relenting of the air.
Salt of tartar - placed in a cellar, will begin to relent.
[This sense is not in use.]
3. To become less intense. [Little used.]
4. To soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion. [This is the usual sense of the word.]
Can you behold my tears, and not once relent?
RELENT', v.t.
1. To slacken.
And oftentimes he would relent his pace. Obs.
2. To soften; to mollify. Obs.
RELENT', pp. Dissolved. obs.
RELENT', n. Remission; stay. Obs.
