To lend an ear

Lend \Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lent} (l[e^]nt); p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Lending}.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr.
   l[=ae]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}.
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            Give me that ring.
            I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power
            To give it from me.                   --Shak.
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   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.
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            Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor
            lend him thy victuals for increase.   --Levit. xxv.
                                                  37.
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   3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend
      assistance; to lend one's name or influence.
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            Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. --Addison.
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            Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and
            largeness to his compositions.        --J. A.
                                                  Symonds.
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   4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or
      gig.
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   Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States,
         except with reference to money.
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   {To lend a hand}, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]

   {To lend one's ears} or {To lend an ear}, to give attention.
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