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.
He stirred the coals till relente gan
The wax again the fire. Chaucer.
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.