Lean \Lean\ (l[=e]n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Leaned (l[=e]nd), sometimes Leant (l[e^]nt); p. pr. & vb. n. Leaning.]

[OE. lenen, AS. hlinian, hleonian, v. i.; akin to OS. hlin[=o]n, D. leunen, OHG. hlin[=e]n, lin[=e]n, G. lehnen, L. inclinare, Gr. kli`nein, L. clivus hill, slope. [root]40. Cf. Declivity, Climax, Incline, Ladder.]

1. To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column. ``He leant forward.'' --Dickens.

2. To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; -- with to, toward, etc.

They delight rather to lean to their old customs. --Spenser.

3. To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; -- with on, upon, or against.

He leaned not on his fathers but himself. --Tennyson.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Leaning \Lean"ing\, n. The act, or state, of inclining; inclination; tendency; as, a leaning towards Calvinism.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)