01 v. t. 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.
imp. & p. p.
Lent; p. pr. & vb. n.
Lending
-
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.
Phrases & compounds
To lend a hand —
to give assistance; to help.
To lend one's ears —
to give attention.