Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RE-LAX-A'TION, n. [Fr. from L. relaxatio.]

1. The act of slackening or remitting tension; as, a relaxation of the muscles, fibers or nerves; a relaxation of the whole system. Bacon. Encyc.
2. Cessation of restraint. Burnet.
3. Remission or abatement of rigor; as, a relaxation of the law. Swift.
4. Remission of attention or application; as, a relaxation of mind, study or business.
5. An opening or loosening.