v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Lent p. pr. & vb. n. Lending. ] [ OE. lenen, AS. l&aemacr_;nan, fr. l&aemacr_;n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See Loan. ] 1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to lend a book; -- opposed to borrow. [ 1913 Webster ] Give me that ring.
I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power
To give it from me. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some article of food. [ 1913 Webster ] Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. Levit. xxv. 37. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend assistance; to lend one's name or influence. [ 1913 Webster ] Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and largeness to his compositions. J. A. Symonds. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or gig. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ This use of the word is rare in the United States, except with reference to money. [ 1913 Webster ]
To lend a hand, to give assistance; to help. [ Colloq. ] --
To lend one's ears or
To lend an ear, to give attention. [ 1913 Webster ]
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