I.to cheer, gladden, delight; constr. with abl. (rare but class.): “non illum gloria pulsi Laetificat Magni,” Luc. 3, 48: “sol laetificat terram,” Cic. N. D. 2, 40, 102; Vulg. Psa. 21, 7: “corda,” id. ib. 19, 9; 103, 15.— Mid., to rejoice, be glad respecting any thing: “nunc eo alii laetificantur Meo malo et damno,” Plaut. Aul. 4, 9, 15.—
II. In partic., in agriculture, to render fruitful, to fertilize, enrich, manure the ground: “Indus agros laetificat et mitigat,” Cic. N. D. 2, 52, 130: “faba solum laetificat,” Plin. 18, 12, 30, § 120: “agrum,” id. 17, 9, 6, § 50: “laetificata seges,” Sedul. 1, 41.—Hence, laetĭfĭcans , antis, P. a., rejoicing, joyous (ante-class.): “unde ego omnes hilares, lubentes, laetificantes faciam ut fiant,” Plaut. Pers. 5, 1, 8.
