The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Emollient \E*mol"lient\ (?; 106), a. [L. emolliens, -entis, p.
   pr. of emollire to soften; e out + mollire to soften, mollis
   soft: cf. F. ['e]mollient. See Mollify.]
   Softening; making supple; acting as an emollient. "Emollient
   applications." --Arbuthnot.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Emollient \E*mol"lient\ (?; 105), n. (Med.)
   An external something or soothing application to allay
   irritation, soreness, etc.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

emollient
    adj 1: having a softening or soothing effect especially to the
           skin [syn: demulcent, emollient, salving,
           softening]
    n 1: toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the
         form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and
         moisturizing effect when applied to the skin [syn: cream,
         ointment, emollient]