[f. prec. ‘Reckoned by Heylin, in 1656, among uncouth and unusual words.’ Todd.]
† 1. To make lighter, diminish the weight of. Obs.
1665–6. Phil. Trans., I. 157. Such as have exact Wheel-Barometers may try whether Odors or Fumes do alleviate the Air.
2. To lighten, or render more tolerable, or endurable; to relieve, mitigate.
1528. Paynell, trans. Salernes Regiment, 22. Milk … alleviateth the griefes of the breast.
a. 1656. Bp. Hall, Balm of Gil., i. § ii. (1863), 6. To alleviate the sorrows of their heavy partners.
1712. Steele, Spect., No. 450, ¶ 3. I … found means to alleviate, and at last conquer my Affliction.
1871. Napheys, Prev. & Cure Dis., III. ii. 619. To alleviate the sufferings of the invalid.
1876. Mozley, Univ. Serm., v. 120. Hope alleviates the sorrow of that home.
† 3. To lighten the gravity of (an offence); to extenuate, palliate. Obs.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., IV. 15. The violence of passion, or temptation, may sometimes alleviate a crime.
1777. R. Watson, Philip II. (1793), II. xiv. 181. They began to alleviate the outrages of the soldiers.
