I. ˈlenəd.iv adjective
Etymology: Middle French lenitif, from Medieval Latin lenitivus, from Latin lenitus (past participle of lenire to soften, alleviate) + -ivus -ive — more at lenient
1. : alleviating pain or acrimony : assuasive , mitigating, soothing
this is not a lenitive novel — John Barkham
2. obsolete : of mild or lenient disposition : gentle
II. noun
( -s )
1. archaic : a soothing medicine or application
2. : a means of mitigation or alleviation : palliative
the gentle lenitive of sleep — Elinor Wylie