Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SOOTHE, v.t. [Sax. gesothian, to flatter. There seems to be a connection between this verb and the preceding sooth. The sense of setting, allay or softening, would give that of truth, and of sweet, that is, smooth.]

1. To flatter; to please with blandishments or soft words. Can I sooth tyranny? – Dryden. I've tried the force of every reason on him, / Sooth'd and caress'd, been angry, sooth'd again. – Addison.
2. To soften; to assuage; to mollify; to calm; as, to soothe one in pain or passion; or to soothe pain. It is applied both to persons and things.
3. To gratify; to please. Sooth'd with his future fame. – Dryden.