The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            Eased [from] the putting off
            These troublesome disguises which we wear. --Milton.
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            Sing, and I 'll ease thy shoulders of thy load.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   2. To render less painful or oppressive; to mitigate; to
      alleviate.
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            My couch shall ease my complaint.     --Job vii. 13.
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   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.
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   4. To entertain; to furnish with accommodations. [Obs.]
      --Chaucer.
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   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.
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