a. [ Cf. F. lénitif. See Lenient. ] Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. lénitif. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being lenitive. [ 1913 Webster ]