from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sway \Sway\ (sw[=a]), 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.]
1. To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to
sway the scepter.
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As sparkles from the anvil rise,
When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed.
--Spenser.
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2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by
persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to
guide.
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The will of man is by his reason swayed. --Shak.
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She could not sway her house. --Shak.
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This was the race
To sway the world, and land and sea subdue.
--Dryden.
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3. 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.
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As bowls run true by being made
On purpose false, and to be swayed. --Hudibras.
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Let not temporal and little advantages sway you
against a more durable interest. --Tillotson.
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4. (Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.
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Syn: To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move;
wave; wield.
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