Depend \De*pend"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Depended; p. pr. & vb. n. Depending.]

[F. d['e]pendre, fr. L. depend?re; de- + pend?re to hang. See Pendant.]

1. To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above.

And ever-living lamps depend in rows. --Pope.

2. To hang in suspense; to be pending; to be undetermined or undecided; as, a cause depending in court.

You will not think it unnatural that those who have an object depending, which strongly engages their hopes and fears, should be somewhat inclined to superstition. --Burke.

3. To rely for support; to be conditioned or contingent; to be connected with anything, as a cause of existence, or as a necessary condition; -- followed by on or upon, formerly by of.

The truth of God's word dependeth not of the truth of the congregation. --Tyndale.

The conclusion . . . that our happiness depends little on political institutions, and much on the temper and regulation of our own minds. --Macaulay.

Heaven forming each on other to depend. --Pope.

4. To trust; to rest with confidence; to rely; to confide; to be certain; -- with on or upon; as, we depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we depend on the mail at the usual hour.

But if you 're rough, and use him like a dog, Depend upon it -- he 'll remain incog. --Addison.

5. To serve; to attend; to act as a dependent or retainer. [Obs.]

--Shak.

6. To impend. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)