[n. of action f. ALLEVIATE, as if ad. L. *alleviātiōn-em.] The action of lightening weight, gravity, severity or pain; relief, mitigation.
1625. J. Hart, Anat. Ur., I. ii. 31. The disease gave her some reasonable time of intermission, with some alleuiation of the accidents.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 270. Alleviation of spirits … may also ensue.
1750. Johnson, Rambl., No. 76, ¶ 5. It has always been considered as an alleviation of misery not to suffer alone.
1771. Antiq. Sarisb., 4. Small Alleviation of the yoke of Servitude.
1833. I. Taylor, Fanat., vi. 195. Some grateful alleviation of the inward torment.
1876. Freeman, Norm. Conq., I. App. 662. An alleviation of the heavy imposts under which the people groaned.
