from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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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