Lighten \Light"en\, v. t. [See {Light} to illuminate.]
   1. To make light or clear; to light; to illuminate; as, to
      lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the
      streets. [In this sense less common than light.]
      
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            A key of fire ran all along the shore,
            And lightened all the river with a blaze. --Dryden.
      
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   2. To illuminate with knowledge; to enlighten. [In this sense
      less common than enlighten.]
      
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            Lighten my spirit with one clear heavenly ray. --Sir
                                                  J. Davies.
      
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   3. To emit or disclose in, or as in, lightning; to flash out,
      like lightning.
      
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            His eye . . . lightens forth
            Controlling majesty.                  --Shak.
      
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   4. To free from trouble and fill with joy.
      
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            They looked unto him, and were lightened. --Ps.
                                                  xxxiv. 5.
      
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Lighten \Light"en\ (l[imac]t"'n), v. i. [See {Light} to alight.]
   To descend; to light.
   
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         O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us.   --Book of
                                                  Common Prayer
                                                  [Eng. Ed.].
   
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Lighten \Light"en\ (l[imac]t"'n), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
   {Lightened} (l[imac]t"'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Lightening}.]
   [OE. lightenen. See {Light} to kindle, illuminate.]
   1. To burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or
      like, lightning; to display a flash or flashes of
      lightning; to flash.
      
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            This dreadful night,
            That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars
            As doth the lion.                     --Shak.
      
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   2. To grow lighter; to become less dark or lowering; to
      brighten; to clear, as the sky.
      
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Lighten \Light"en\, v. t. [See {Light} not heavy.]
   1. To make lighter, or less heavy; to reduce in weight; to
      relieve of part of a load or burden; as, to lighten a ship
      by unloading; to lighten a load or burden.
      
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   2. To make less burdensome or afflictive; to alleviate; as,
      to lighten the cares of life or the burden of grief.
      
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   3. To cheer; to exhilarate.
      
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            Lightens my humor with his merry jests. --Shak.
      
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