GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Sway , 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.]
   To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to sway the scepter.
   1913 Webster
   As sparkles from the anvil rise,
   When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide.
   1913 Webster
   The will of man is by his reason swayed.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   She could not sway her house.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   This was the race
   To sway the world, and land and sea subdue.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster
   As bowls run true by being made
   On purpose false, and to be swayed.
   Hudibras.
   
   1913 Webster
   Let not temporal and little advantages sway you against a more durable interest.
   Tillotson.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Sway , v. i.
   To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline.
   1913 Webster
   The balance sways on our part.
   Bacon.
   
   1913 Webster
   To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward.
   1913 Webster
   To have weight or influence.
   1913 Webster
   The example of sundry churches . . . doth sway much.
   Hooker.
   
   1913 Webster
   To bear sway; to rule; to govern.
   1913 Webster
   Hadst thou swayed as kings should do.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Sway, n.
   The act of swaying; a swaying motion; the swing or sweep of a weapon.
   1913 Webster
   With huge two-handed sway brandished aloft.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   Influence, weight, or authority that inclines to one side; as, the sway of desires.
   A. Tucker.
   
   1913 Webster
   Preponderance; turn or cast of balance.
   1913 Webster
   Expert
   When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway
   Of battle.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   Rule; dominion; control.
   Cowper.
   
   1913 Webster
   When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway,
   The post of honor is a private station.
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster
   A switch or rod used by thatchers to bind their work. [Prov. Eng.]
   Halliwell.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- Rule; dominion; power; empire; control; influence; direction; preponderance; ascendency.
   1913 Webster