To make less; to diminish; to reduce in bulk, size, quantity, number or amount; to make smaller; as, to lessen a kingdom or its population.

To diminish in degree, state of quality; as, awkward manners tend to lessen our respect for men of merit.

To degrade; to reduce in dignity. St. Paul chose to magnify his office, when ill men conspired to lessen it.

les’n.

To become less; to shrink; to contract in bulk, quantity, number or amount; to be diminished. The apparent magnitude of objects lessens as we recede from them.

To become less in degree, quality or intensity; to decrease. The strength of the body, and the vivacity of the temper usually lessen as we advance in age.