GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 5 definitions

1.       
   Lean , v. t. [Icel. leyna; akin to G. läugnen to deny, AS. lȳgnian, also E. lie to speak falsely.] To conceal. [Obs.]
   Ray.
   
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2.       
   Lean , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leaned , sometimes Leant (lĕnt); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaning.] [OE. lenen, AS. hlinian, hleonian, v. i.; akin to OS. hlinōn, D. leunen, OHG. hlinēn, linēn, G. lehnen, L. inclinare, Gr. κλίνειν, L. clivus hill, slope. √40. Cf. Declivity, Climax, Incline, Ladder.]
   To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column. “He leant forward.” 
   Dickens.
   
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   To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; -- with to, toward, etc.
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   They delight rather to lean to their old customs.
   Spenser.
   
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   To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; -- with on, upon, or against.
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   He leaned not on his fathers but himself.
   Tennyson.
   
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3.       
   Lean, v. t. [From Lean, v. i.; AS. hlǣnan, v. t., fr. hleonian, hlinian, v. i.] To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest.
   Mrs. Browning.
   
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   His fainting limbs against an oak he leant.
   Dryden.
   
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4.       
   Lean , a. [Compar. Leaner ; superl. Leanest.] [OE. lene, AS. hlǣne; prob. akin to E. lean to incline. See Lean, v. i. ]
   Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; slim; not plump; slender; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle.
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   Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender; scant; barren; bare; mean; -- used literally and figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean discourse; lean wages. “No lean wardrobe.” 
   Shak.
   
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   Their lean and flashy songs.
   Milton.
   
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   What the land is, whether it be fat or lean.
   Num. xiii. 20.
   
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   Out of my lean and low ability
   I'll lend you something.
   Shak.
   
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   (Typog.) Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; -- opposed to fat; as, lean copy, matter, or type.
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   Syn. -- slender; spare; thin; meager; lank; skinny; gaunt.
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5.       
   Lean , n.
   That part of flesh which consists principally of muscle without the fat.
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   The fat was so white and the lean was so ruddy.
   Goldsmith.
   
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   (Typog.) Unremunerative copy or work.
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