Re·lent v. i. [imp. & p. p. Relented; p. pr. & vb. n. Relenting.]
1. To become less rigid or hard; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce. [Obs.]
He stirred the coals till relente gan
The wax again the fire. --Chaucer.
[Salt of tartar] 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.