Light″en (līt″'n), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Lightened (–'nd); p. pr. & vb. n.Lightening.] [OE. lightenen. See Light to kindle, illuminate.] 1. To burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or like, lightning; to display a flash or flashes of lightning; to flash.
This dreadful night,
That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars
As doth the lion. Shak.
2. To grow lighter; to become less dark or lowering; to brighten; to clear, as the sky.