\Re*lief"\ (r?-l?f"), n. [OE. relef, F. relief, properly,
a lifting up, a standing out. See {Relieve}, and cf.
{Basrelief}, {Rilievi}.]
1. The act of relieving, or the state of being relieved; the
   removal, or partial removal, of any evil, or of anything
   oppressive or burdensome, by which some ease is obtained;
   succor; alleviation; comfort; ease; redress.
         He sees the dire contagion spread so fast, That,
         where it seizes, all relief is vain.  --Dryden.
2. Release from a post, or from the performance of duty, by
   the intervention of others, by discharge, or by relay; as,
   a relief of a sentry.
         For this relief much thanks; 'tis bitter cold.
                                               --Shak.
3. That which removes or lessens evil, pain, discomfort,
   uneasiness, etc.; that which gives succor, aid, or
   comfort; also, the person who relieves from performance of
   duty by taking the place of another; a relay.
4. (Feudal Law) A fine or composition which the heir of a
   deceased tenant paid to the lord for the privilege of
   taking up the estate, which, on strict feudal principles,
   had lapsed or fallen to the lord on the death of the
   tenant.
5. (Sculp. & Arch.) The projection of a figure above the
   ground or plane on which it is formed.
Note: Relief is of three kinds, namely, {high relief}
      ({altorilievo}), {low relief}, ({basso-rilievo}), and
      {demirelief} ({mezzo-rilievo}). See these terms in the
      Vocabulary.
6. (Paint.) The appearance of projection given by shading,
   shadow, etc., to any figure.
7. (Fort.) The height to which works are raised above the
   bottom of the ditch. --Wilhelm.
8. (Physical Geog.) The elevations and surface undulations of
   a country. --Guyot.
{Relief valve}, a valve arranged for relieving pressure of
   steam, gas, or liquid; an escape valve.
Syn: Alleviation; mitigation; aid; help; succor; assistance;
     remedy; redress; indemnification.