v. colloq. [f. LIFE + -EN5. Cf. ENLIVEN.] a. trans. To put life into; to brighten, cheer. Also with up. b. intr. To grow lively, to brighten; in quot. with up.
1870. Weekly Champion & Press (Atchison, KS), 15 Jan., 2/6. Times are beginning to liven up a little on the near approach of the legislative session.
1884. Manch. Exam., 26 Nov., 8/1. Matters will liven up a bit during the day.
1897. J. H. Crawford, Wild Flowers Scot., Introd. 13. A few typical forms in a natural setting, livened by some meident in which I shared.
Hence Livener, something that enlivens; spec. a drink of beer or spirits; a pick-me-up.
1870. Evening News (Indianapolis), 19 April, 1/6. Tom got in three blows to Johns one; but Morrisseys were staggerers, while McCanns were only liveners.
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 2 Aug., 13/2. I think he would want a livener before the time had expired.
1895. Daily News, 4 Jan., 3/7. He could not get out of bed unless he had two or three liveners.