from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Swell \Swell\, v. i. [imp. {Swelled}; p. p. {Swelled} or
{Swollen}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Swelling}.] [AS. swellan; akin to
D. zwellen, OS. & OHG. swellan, G. schwellen, Icel. svella,
Sw. sv[aum]lla.]
1. To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface
or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of
the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a
bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation.
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2. To increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase
in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its
banks; sounds swell or diminish.
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3. To rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as,
in tempest, the ocean swells into waves.
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4. To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride.
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You swell at the tartan, as the bull is said to do
at scarlet. --Sir W.
Scott.
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5. To be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell.
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6. To be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling
words; a swelling style.
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7. To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the
middle.
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8. To be elated; to rise arrogantly.
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Your equal mind yet swells not into state. --Dryden.
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9. To grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand.
"Monarchs to behold the swelling scene!" --Shak.
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10. To become larger in amount; as, many little debts added,
swell to a great amount.
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11. To act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to
strut; to look big.
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Here he comes, swelling like a turkey cock. --Shak.
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