- Swelling
- Swell Swell, v. i. [imp. {Swelled}; p. p. {Swelled} or
{Swollen}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Swelling}.] [AS. swellan; akin to
D. zwellen, OS. & OHG. swellan, G. schwellen, Icel. svella,
Sw. sv["a]lla.]
1. To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface
or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of
the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a
bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation.
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2. To increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its banks; sounds swell or diminish. [1913 Webster]
3. To rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as, in tempest, the ocean swells into waves. [1913 Webster]
4. To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride. [1913 Webster]
You swell at the tartan, as the bull is said to do at scarlet. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
5. To be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell. [1913 Webster]
6. To be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling words; a swelling style. [1913 Webster]
7. To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle. [1913 Webster]
8. To be elated; to rise arrogantly. [1913 Webster]
Your equal mind yet swells not into state. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
9. To grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand. ``Monarchs to behold the swelling scene!'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]
10. To become larger in amount; as, many little debts added, swell to a great amount. [1913 Webster]
11. To act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to strut; to look big. [1913 Webster]
Here he comes, swelling like a turkey cock. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
