- AS. bendan to bend, fr. bend a band, bond, fr. bindan to bind. See Bindv. t., and cf. 3d & 4th Bend
- 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.
- To turn toward some certain point; to direct; to incline.Bendthine ear to supplication.Towards Coventry bend we our course.Bending her eyes . . . upon her parent.
- To apply closely or with interest; to direct.To bend his mind to any public business.But when to mischief mortals bend their will.
- To cause to yield; to render submissive; to subdue.Except shebendher humor.
- NautTo 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.To lean; stoop; deflect; bow; yield.
