Va"ry (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Varied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Varying.] [OE. varien, F. varier, L. variare,
fr. varius various. See Various, and cf. Variate.]
1. To change the aspect of; to alter in form,
appearance, substance, position, or the like; to make different by a
partial change; to modify; as, to vary the properties, proportions,
or nature of a thing; to vary a posture or an attitude; to
vary one's dress or opinions.
Shall we vary our device at will,
Even as new occasion appears?
Spenser.
2. To change to something else; to transmute; to
exchange; to alternate.
Gods, that never change their state,
Vary oft their love and hate.
Waller.
We are to vary the customs according to the time and
country where the scene of action lies.
Dryden.
3. To make of different kinds; to make different
from one another; to diversity; to variegate.
God hath varied their inclinations.
Sir T. Browne.
God hath here
Varied his bounty so with new delights.
Milton.
4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change
fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc.
See Variation, 4.
Va"ry, n. Alteration; change.
[Obs.] Shak.
Va"ry (?), v. i. 1. To
alter, or be altered, in any manner; to suffer a partial change; to become
different; to be modified; as, colors vary in different
lights.
That each from other differs, first confess;
Next, that he varies from himself no less.
Pope.
2. To differ, or be different; to be unlike or
diverse; as, the laws of France vary from those of
England.
3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate;
as, one mathematical quantity varies inversely as another.
While fear and anger, with alternate grace,
Pant in her breast, and vary in her face.
Addison.
4. To deviate; to depart; to swerve; -- followed by
from; as, to vary from the law, or from reason.
Locke.
5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension;
as, men vary in opinion.
The rich jewel which we vary for.
Webster (1623).