v. Obs. [OE. hlǽnsian, f. hlǽne lean; cf. clǽnsian to cleanse.] a. trans. To make lean; to macerate. b. intr. To become lean.
a. 1000. in Napier, OE. Glosses, 32/1156. Macero … ic hlænsiʓe.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 147. Mon lenseð his fleis hwenne he him ȝefeð lutel to etene and lesse to drinke.
c. 1200. Trin. Coll. Hom., 207. Mannes lichame ihalsneð [Lamb. MS. lenseð] iwis, þenne me hine pined mid hunger and mid þurste.
Hence † Lensing vbl. sb., macerating.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 147. Ac he munegeð us an oðer rode to berene þet is inemned Carnis maceratio fleises lensing.
c. 1200. Trin. Coll. Hom., 207. An oðer [rode] … þat is cleped Carnis maceracio þat is lichames hlensing.
