(1):

(v. t.) To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.

(2):

(v. t.) To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; - opposed to aggravate.

(3):

(v. t.) To lower or degrade; to detract from.

(4):

(v. i.) To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations.

(5):

(a.) Thin; slender.