- Depend
- Depend De*pend", v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Depended}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Depending}.] [F. d['e]pendre, fr. L. depend?re; de- +
pend?re to hang. See {Pendant}.]
1. To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or
attached to something above.
[1913 Webster]
And ever-living lamps depend in rows. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. To hang in suspense; to be pending; to be undetermined or undecided; as, a cause depending in court. [1913 Webster]
You will not think it unnatural that those who have an object depending, which strongly engages their hopes and fears, should be somewhat inclined to superstition. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
3. To rely for support; to be conditioned or contingent; to be connected with anything, as a cause of existence, or as a necessary condition; -- followed by on or upon, formerly by of. [1913 Webster]
The truth of God's word dependeth not of the truth of the congregation. --Tyndale. [1913 Webster]
The conclusion . . . that our happiness depends little on political institutions, and much on the temper and regulation of our own minds. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
Heaven forming each on other to depend. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
4. To trust; to rest with confidence; to rely; to confide; to be certain; -- with on or upon; as, we depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we depend on the mail at the usual hour. [1913 Webster]
But if you 're rough, and use him like a dog, Depend upon it -- he 'll remain incog. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
5. To serve; to attend; to act as a dependent or retainer. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
6. To impend. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.