Bend (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Bended or Bent (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Bending.] [AS. bendan to bend, fr. bend a band, bond, fr. bindan to bind. See Bind, v. t., and cf. 3d & 4th Bend.] 1. To strain or move out of a straight line; to crook by straining; to make crooked; to curve; to make ready for use by drawing into a curve; as, to bend a bow; to bend the knee.
2. To turn toward some certain point; to direct; to incline. “Bend thine ear to supplication.” Milton.
Towards Coventry bend we our course.
Shak.
Bending her eyes... upon her parent.
Sir W. Scott.
3. To apply closely or with interest; to direct.
To bend his mind to any public business.
Temple.
But when to mischief mortals bend their will.
Pope.
4. To cause to yield; to render submissive; to subdue. “Except she bend her humor.” Shak.
5. (Naut.) To fasten, as one rope to another, or as a sail to its yard or stay; or as a cable to the ring of an anchor. Totten.
To bend the brow, to knit the brow, as in deep thought or in anger; to scowl; to frown. Camden.
Syn. — To lean; stoop; deflect; bow; yield.