(1):
(v. t.) To slacken; to abate.
(2):
(v. i.) To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce.
(3):
(v. t.) To soften; to dissolve.
(4):
(v. t.) To mollify; to cause to be less harsh or severe.
(5):
(n.) Stay; stop; delay.
(6):
(v. i.) 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.