SLACK (6)

{ Slack (?), Slack″en (?), } v. i. [imp. & p. p. Slacked (?), Slackened (�); p. pr. & vb. n. Slacking, Slackening.] [[See Slack, a.]] 1. 1. To become slack; to be made less tense, firm, or rigid; to decrease in tension; as, a wet cord slackens in dry weather.
2. 2. To be remiss or backward; to be negligent.
3. 3. To lose cohesion or solidity by a chemical combination with water; to slake; as, lime slacks.
4. 4. To abate; to become less violent.
Whence these raging fires Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames. Milton. 5. 5. To lose rapidity; to become more slow; as, a current of water slackens.
6. 6. To languish; to fail; to flag.
7. 7. To end; to cease; to desist; to slake.
That through your death your lineage should slack. Chaucer. They will not of that firste purpose slack. Chaucer.