v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Relinquished p. pr. & vb. n. Relinquishing. ] [ OF. relinquir, L. relinquere to leave behind; pref. re- re + linquere to leave. See Loan, and cf. Relic, Relict. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. To withdraw from; to leave behind; to desist from; to abandon; to quit; as, to relinquish a pursuit. [ 1913 Webster ] We ought to relinquish such rites. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] They placed Irish tenants upon the lands relinquished by the English. Sir J. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To give up; to renounce a claim to; resign; as, to relinquish a debt. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To resign; leave; quit; forsake; abandon; desert; renounce; forb&unr_;ar; forego. See Resign. [ 1913 Webster ] |