from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Float \Float\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Floated}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Floating}.] [OE. flotien, flotten, AS. flotian to float,
swim, fr. fle['o]tan. See {Float}, n.]
1. To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed
up.
[1913 Webster]
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground.
--Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Three blustering nights, borne by the southern
blast,
I floated. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
2. To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to
drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on
the surface of a fluid, or through the air.
[1913 Webster]
They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the
wind. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
There seems a floating whisper on the hills.
--Byron.
[1913 Webster]