Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Lenitive
Len′i-tive
(-tĭv)
, Adj.
[Cf. F.
lénitif
. See Lenient
.] Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.
Len′i-tive
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
lénitif
.] 1.
(Med.)
(a)
A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain or protecting from the action of irritants.
(b)
A mild purgative; a laxative.
2.
That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative.
There is one sweet
lenitive
at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep. Sterne.
Webster 1828 Edition
Lenitive
LEN'ITIVE
,Adj.
Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.
LEN'ITIVE
, n.1.
A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain; that which softens or mitigates.2.
A palliative; that which abates passion.