To ease a ship

Ease \Ease\ ([=e]z), v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. {Eased} ([=e]zd);
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Easing}.] [OE. esen, eisen, OF. aisier. See
   {Ease}, n.]
   1. To free from anything that pains, disquiets, or oppresses;
      to relieve from toil or care; to give rest, repose, or
      tranquillity to; -- often with of; as, to ease of pain; to
      ease the body or mind.
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            Eased [from] the putting off
            These troublesome disguises which we wear. --Milton.
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            Sing, and I 'll ease thy shoulders of thy load.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   2. To render less painful or oppressive; to mitigate; to
      alleviate.
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            My couch shall ease my complaint.     --Job vii. 13.
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   3. To release from pressure or restraint; to move gently; to
      lift slightly; to shift a little; as, to ease a bar or nut
      in machinery.
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   4. To entertain; to furnish with accommodations. [Obs.]
      --Chaucer.
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   {To ease off}, {To ease away} (Naut.), to slacken a rope
      gradually.

   {To ease a ship} (Naut.), to put the helm hard, or regulate
      the sail, to prevent pitching when closehauled.

   {To ease the helm} (Naut.), to put the helm more nearly
      amidships, to lessen the effect on the ship, or the strain
      on the wheel rope. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.

   Syn: To relieve; disburden; quiet; calm; tranquilize;
        assuage; alleviate; allay; mitigate; appease; pacify.
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