Bend \Bend\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bended or Bent; p. pr. &
vb. n. Bending.] [AS. bendan to bend, fr. bend a band,
bond, fr. bindan to bind. See Bind, v. t., and cf. 3d & 4th
Bend.]
1. To strain or move out of a straight line; to crook by
straining; to make crooked; to curve; to make ready for
use by drawing into a curve; as, to bend a bow; to bend
the knee.
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2. To turn toward some certain point; to direct; to incline.
"Bend thine ear to supplication." --Milton.
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Towards Coventry bend we our course. --Shak.
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Bending her eyes . . . upon her parent. --Sir W.
Scott.
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3. To apply closely or with interest; to direct.
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To bend his mind to any public business. --Temple.
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But when to mischief mortals bend their will.
--Pope.
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4. To cause to yield; to render submissive; to subdue.
"Except she bend her humor." --Shak.
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5. (Naut.) To fasten, as one rope to another, or as a sail to
its yard or stay; or as a cable to the ring of an anchor.
--Totten.
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To bend the brow, to knit the brow, as in deep thought or
in anger; to scowl; to frown. --Camden.
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Syn: To lean; stoop; deflect; bow; yield.
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