- Sway
- Sway Sway (sw[=a]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Swayed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Swaying}.] [OE. sweyen, Icel. sveigja, akin to E. swing;
cf. D. zwaaijen to wield, swing. See {Swing}, and cf. {Swag},
v. i.]
1. To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to
sway the scepter.
[1913 Webster]
As sparkles from the anvil rise, When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide. [1913 Webster]
The will of man is by his reason swayed. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
She could not sway her house. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
This was the race To sway the world, and land and sea subdue. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp; as, reeds swayed by wind; judgment swayed by passion. [1913 Webster]
As bowls run true by being made On purpose false, and to be swayed. --Hudibras. [1913 Webster]
Let not temporal and little advantages sway you against a more durable interest. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster]
4. (Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
