Swell \Swell\, v. i. [imp. Swelled; p. p. Swelled or Swollen; p. pr. & vb. n. Swelling.]

[AS. swellan; akin to D. zwellen, OS. & OHG. swellan, G. schwellen, Icel. svella, Sw. sv["a]lla.]

1. To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation.

2. To increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its banks; sounds swell or diminish.

3. To rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as, in tempest, the ocean swells into waves.

4. To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride.

You swell at the tartan, as the bull is said to do at scarlet. --Sir W. Scott.

5. To be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell.

6. To be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling words; a swelling style.

7. To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle.

8. To be elated; to rise arrogantly.

Your equal mind yet swells not into state. --Dryden.

9. To grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand. ``Monarchs to behold the swelling scene!'' --Shak.

10. To become larger in amount; as, many little debts added, swell to a great amount.

Here he comes, swelling like a turkey cock. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Swelling \Swell"ing\, n.

1. The act of that which swells; as, the swelling of rivers in spring; the swelling of the breast with pride.

Rise to the swelling of the voiceless sea. --Coleridge.

2. A protuberance; a prominence; especially (Med.), an unnatural prominence or protuberance; as, a scrofulous swelling.

The superficies of such plates are not even, but have many cavities and swellings. --Sir I. Newton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)