catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  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.
  
              Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but
              have no power To give it from me.     --Shak.
  
     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.
  
              Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor
              lend him thy victuals for increase.   --Levit. xxv.
                                                    37.
  
     3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend
        assistance; to lend one's name or influence.
  
              Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. --Addison.
  
              Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and
              largeness to his compositions.        --J. A.
                                                    Symonds.
  
     4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or
        gig.
  
     Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States,
           except with reference to money.
  
     To lend a hand, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]
  
     To lend an ear or one's ears, to give attention.