Less"en , v. i. To become less; to shrink; to
contract; to decrease; to be diminished; as, the apparent magnitude of objects
lessens as we recede from them; his care, or his wealth, lessened.
The objection lessens
much, and comes to no more than this: there was one witness of no
good reputation.
Atterbury.
Less"en (l&ebreve;s"'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessened (-'nd);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Lessening.]
[From Less, a.]
To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or
a population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune.
Charity . . . shall lessen his punishment.
Calamy.
St. Paul chose
to magnify his office when ill men
conspired to lessen it.
Atterbury. Syn. -- To diminish; reduce; abate; decrease; lower; impair; weaken; degrade.
Hear it pronounced