- To lend a hand
- Lend Lend (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lent} (l[e^]nt); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lending}.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr.
l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See {Loan}.]
1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the
return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to
lend a book; -- opposed to {borrow}.
[1913 Webster]
Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power To give it from me. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some article of food. [1913 Webster]
Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. --Levit. xxv. 37. [1913 Webster]
3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend assistance; to lend one's name or influence. [1913 Webster]
Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and largeness to his compositions. --J. A. Symonds. [1913 Webster]
4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or gig. [1913 Webster]
Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States, except with reference to money. [1913 Webster]
{To lend a hand}, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]
{To lend one's ears} or {To lend an ear}, to give attention. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
