Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RE-LAX', v.t. [L. relaxo; re and laxo, to slacken; Fr. relâcher, relascher; It. rilassare; Sp. relaxar. See Lax.]

1. To slacken; to make less tense or rigid; as, to relax a rope or cord; to relax the muscles or sinews; to relax the reins in riding.
2. To loosen; to make less close or firm; as, to relax the joints. – Milton.
3. To make less severe or rigorous; to remit or abate in strictness; as, to relax a law or rule of justice; to relax a demand. – Swift.
4. To remit or abate in attention, assiduity or labor; as, to relax study; to relax exertions or efforts.
5. To unbend; to ease; to relieve from close attention; as, conversation relaxes the student or the mind.
6. To relieve from constipation; to loosen; to open; as, medicines relax the bowels.
7. To open, to loose. – Milton.
8. To make languid.