Len"i*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. l'enitif. See Lenient.]
Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.
© Webster 1913.
Len"i*tive, n. [Cf. F. l'enitif.]
1. Med. (a)
A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain or protecting from the action of irritants.
(b)
A mild purgative; a laxative.
2.
That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative.
There is one sweet Lenitive at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep.
Sterne.
© Webster 1913.