Bending

Bend Bend, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bended} or {Bent}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Bending}.] [AS. bendan to bend, fr. bend a band, bond, fr. bindan to bind. See {Bind}, v. t., and cf. 3d & 4th {Bend}.] 1. To strain or move out of a straight line; to crook by straining; to make crooked; to curve; to make ready for use by drawing into a curve; as, to bend a bow; to bend the knee. [1913 Webster]

2. To turn toward some certain point; to direct; to incline. ``Bend thine ear to supplication.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Towards Coventry bend we our course. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Bending her eyes . . . upon her parent. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

3. To apply closely or with interest; to direct. [1913 Webster]

To bend his mind to any public business. --Temple. [1913 Webster]

But when to mischief mortals bend their will. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

4. To cause to yield; to render submissive; to subdue. ``Except she bend her humor.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. (Naut.) To fasten, as one rope to another, or as a sail to its yard or stay; or as a cable to the ring of an anchor. --Totten. [1913 Webster]

{To bend the brow}, to knit the brow, as in deep thought or in anger; to scowl; to frown. --Camden. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To lean; stoop; deflect; bow; yield. [1913 Webster]