EASE

Definitions

1. 1. To free from anything that pains, disquiets, or oppresses; to relieve from toil or care; to give rest, repose, or tranquility to; - - often with of; as, to ease of pain; ease the body or mind. Eased [from] the putting off These troublesome disguises which we wear. Milton. Sing, and I 'll ease thy shoulders of thy load. Dryden.
2. 2. To render less painful or oppressive; to mitigate; to alleviate. My couch shall ease my complaint. Job vii. 13.
3. 3. To release from pressure or restraint; to move gently; to lift slightly; to shift a little; as, to ease a bar or nut in machinery.
4. 4. To entertain; to furnish with accommodations. [Obs.] Chaucer. To ease off, To ease away (Naut.), to slacken a rope gradually. -- To ease a ship (Naut.), to put the helm hard, or regulate the sail, to prevent pitching when closehauled. -- To ease the helm (Naut.), to put the helm more nearly amidships, to lessen the effect on the ship, or the strain on the wheel rope. Ham. Nav. Encyc.