Lend (lĕnd), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. Lent (lĕnt); p. pr. & vb.
n. Lending.] [OE. lenen, AS.
lǣnan, fr. lǣn 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.
☞ 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.