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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Lenitive

Lēn'i-tīve, a.

adjective

a. [It. & Sp. lenitivo, Fr. lénitif. See LENIENT.] Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.

Lēn'i-tive, n.

noun

n. [It. & Sp. lenitivo, Fr. lénitif.]

  1. (Med.) (a.) A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain; that which softens or mitigates. (b.) A mild purgative; a laxative.
  2. That which tends to allay passion or excitement; a palliative.

There is one sweet lenitive at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep. Sterne.