Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Relent \Re*lent"\ (r?-l?nt"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Relented}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Relenting}.] [F. ralentir, fr. L. pref. re- re-
   + ad to + lentus pliant, flexible, slow. See {Lithe}.]
   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.