GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Sway (swā), 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”.
   
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   As sparkles from the anvil rise,
   
   When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed. Spenser.
   
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   2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide.
   
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   The will of man is by his reason swayed. Shak.
   
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   She could not sway her house. Shak.
   
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   This was the race
   
   To sway the world, and land and sea subdue. Dryden.
   
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   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”.
   
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   As bowls run true by being made
   
   On purpose false, and to be swayed. Hudibras.
   
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   Let not temporal and little advantages sway you against a more durable interest. Tillotson.
   
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   4. (Naut.) To hoist; as, “to sway up the yards”.
   
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   Syn. -- To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield.
   
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2.       
   Swayed (?), a. Bent down, and hollow in the back; sway-backed; -- said of a horse.  Shak.
   
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