| 释义 |
ˈslighten, v. rare.
Also 7 sleighten.
[f. slight a. or v.]
1. trans. = slight v. 3.
1605B. Jonson Sejanus v, It is an odious wisdome to blaspheme, Much more to slighten, or deny their powers. 1633Ford 'Tis Pity iv. ii, She, as 'tis said, Slightens his love, and he abandons hers. 1646Featly Dippers Dipt 37 The custome of our Mother the Church..is no way to be slightned [1645 sleighted] or rejected.
2. To make smaller or more slight.
1954P. Toynbee Friends Apart vii. 90 Dysentery..had thinned his face and slightened his broad body.
Hence ˈslightening ppl. a.
1916A. Quiller-Couch Art of Reading (1920) i. 14 God forbid that anyone should hint a slightening word of what our sons and brothers are doing just now. |