leniont Meaning, Definition & Usage

Le"ni*ont adjective

Etymology

L. leniens, -entis, p. pr. of lenire to soften, fr. lenis soft, mild. Cf. Lithe.

Definitions

1. Relaxing; emollient; softening; assuasive; -- somees followed by of. "Lenient of grief." Milton.

   Of relax the fibers, are lenient, balsamic. Arbuthnot.

   Time, that on all things lays his lenient hand. Pope.

2. Mild; clement; merciful; not rigorous or severe; as, a lenient disposition; a lenient judge or sentence.