What does "lend" mean?
Lend: 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.
Additional senses
- 2.3. 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.
- 3.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.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00