from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tend \Tend\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tended}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Tending}.] [Aphetic form of attend. See {Attend}, {Tend} to
move, and cf. {Tender} one that tends or attends.]
1. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the
wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds
tend their flocks. --Shak.
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And flaming ministers to watch and tend
Their earthly charge. --Milton.
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There 's not a sparrow or a wren,
There 's not a blade of autumn grain,
Which the four seasons do not tend
And tides of life and increase lend. --Emerson.
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2. To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.
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Being to descend
A ladder much in height, I did not tend
My way well down. --Chapman.
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{To tend a vessel} (Naut.), to manage an anchored vessel when
the tide turns, so that in swinging she shall not entangle
the cable.
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