'To ease off' definitions:

Definition of 'To ease off'

From: GCIDE
  • Ease \Ease\ ([=e]z), v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Eased ([=e]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Easing.] [OE. esen, eisen, OF. aisier. See Ease, n.]
  • 1. To free from anything that pains, disquiets, or oppresses; to relieve from toil or care; to give rest, repose, or tranquillity to; -- often with of; as, to ease of pain; to ease the body or mind. [1913 Webster]
  • Eased [from] the putting off These troublesome disguises which we wear. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Sing, and I 'll ease thy shoulders of thy load. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To render less painful or oppressive; to mitigate; to alleviate. [1913 Webster]
  • My couch shall ease my complaint. --Job vii. 13. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To entertain; to furnish with accommodations. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 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.
  • Syn: To relieve; disburden; quiet; calm; tranquilize; assuage; alleviate; allay; mitigate; appease; pacify. [1913 Webster]