from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pliant \Pli"ant\, 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]