v. i. [ imp. Swelled p. p. Swelled or Swollen p. pr. & vb. n. Swelling. ] [ AS. swellan; akin to D. zwellen, OS. & OHG. swellan, G. schwellen, Icel. svella, Sw. svälla. ] 1. To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its banks; sounds swell or diminish. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as, in tempest, the ocean swells into waves. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride. [ 1913 Webster ] You swell at the tartan, as the bull is said to do at scarlet. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. To be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling words; a swelling style. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. To be elated; to rise arrogantly. [ 1913 Webster ] Your equal mind yet swells not into state. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 9. To grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand. “Monarchs to behold the swelling scene!” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 10. To become larger in amount; as, many little debts added, swell to a great amount. [ 1913 Webster ] 11. To act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to strut; to look big. [ 1913 Webster ] Here he comes, swelling like a turkey cock. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] |