v. t. [ L. lenis soft, mild + -fy: cf. F. lénifier. ] To assuage; to soften; to mitigate; to alleviate. Bacon. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. lenitas, fr. lenis soft, mild: cf. OF. lenité. See Lenient. ] The state or quality of being lenient; mildness of temper or disposition; gentleness of treatment; softness; tenderness; clemency; -- opposed to severity and rigor. [ 1913 Webster ]

His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too severe. Macaulay.

Syn. -- Gentleness; kindness; tenderness; softness; humanity; clemency; mercy. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. lenitas, fr. lenis soft, mild: cf. OF. lenité. See Lenient. ] The state or quality of being lenient; mildness of temper or disposition; gentleness of treatment; softness; tenderness; clemency; -- opposed to severity and rigor. [ 1913 Webster ]

His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too severe. Macaulay.

Syn. -- Gentleness; kindness; tenderness; softness; humanity; clemency; mercy. [ 1913 Webster ]