Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SLACK, or SLACK'EN, v.t.

1. To lessen tension; to make less tense or tight; as, to slacken a rope or a bandage.
2. To relax; to remit; as, to slacken exertion or labor.
3. To mitigate; to diminish in severity; as, to slacken pain.
4. To become more slow; to lessen rapidity; as, to slacken one's pace.
5. To abate; to lower; as, to slacken the heat of a fire.
6. To relieve; to unbend; to remit; as, to slacken cares. – Denham.
7. To withhold; to use less liberally. – Shak.
8. To deprive of cohesion; as, to slack lime. – Mortimer.
9. To repress; to check. I should be griev'd, young prince, to think my presence / Unbent your thoughts and slacken'd 'em to arms. – Addison.
10. To neglect. Slack not the good presage. – Dryden.
11. To repress, or make less quick or active. – Addison.