li'tn.

i. li’tn.

To flash; to burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with an instantaneous illumination. This dreadful night that thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars as doth the lion.

To shine like lightning.

To fall; to light. Obs.

To dissipate darkness; to fill with light; to spread over with light; to illuminate; to enlighten; as, to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets. A key of fire ran all along the shore, and lightened all the river with a blaze.

To illuminate with knowledge; in a moral sense. A light to lighten the Gentiles. Luke 2:32.

To free from trouble and fill with joy. They looked to him and were lightened. Psalm 34:5.

To make lighter; to reduce in weight; to make less heavy; as, to lighten a ship by unloading; to lighten a load or burden.

To alleviate; to make less burdensome or afflictive; as, to lighten the cares of life; to lighten the burden of grief.

To cheer; to exhilarate. He lightens my humor with his merry jest.