a. [ F. pliant, p. pr. of plier to bend. See Ply, v. ] 1. Capable of plying or bending; readily yielding to force or pressure without breaking; flexible; pliable; lithe; limber; plastic; as, a pliant thread; pliant wax. Also used figuratively: Easily influenced for good or evil; tractable; as, a pliant heart. [ 1913 Webster ]

The will was then ductile and pliant to right reason. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Favorable to pliancy. [ R. ] “A pliant hour.” Shak. -- Pli"ant*ly, adv. -- Pli"ant*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]