Obs. [OE. ęlnian = OHG. ellinôn. ON. elna, Goth. aljanôn:—OTeut. *aljanôjan, f. *aljano-m: see prec.] trans. To strengthen, hearten, comfort.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 10. Gon & iseon swuch & elnen ham & helpen mid fode of holi lore.
a. 1225. Leg. Kath., 1374. As men droh ham to hare deað, þa … elnede þe oðre.
a. 1240. Lofsong, in Cott. Hom., 215. Ich wot þet þu wult senden me þene holi gost to elnen me.
