From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Relent \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. [Obs.]
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He stirred the coals till relente gan
The wax again the fire. --Chaucer.
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[Salt of tartar] placed in a cellar will . . . begin
to relent. --Boyle.
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When opening buds salute the welcome day,
And earth, relenting, feels the genial ray. --Pope.
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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.
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Can you . . . behold
My sighs and tears, and will not once relent?
--Shak.
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