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.
1. To act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to
strut; to look big.
Here he comes, swelling like a turkey cock. --Shak.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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