Lend \Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lent (l[e^]nt); p. pr. & vb. n. Lending.]

[OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr. l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See Loan.]

1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to lend a book; -- opposed to borrow.

Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power To give it from me. --Shak.

2. 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. 37.

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.

4. 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)