Float, v. i. [imp. & p. p.Floated; p. pr. & vb. n.Floating.] [OE. flotien, flotten, AS. flotian to float, swim, fr. fleótan. See Float, n.] 1. To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up.
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground. Milton.
Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast,
I floated. Dryden.
2. To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air.
They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the wind. Pope.
There seems a floating whisper on the hills. Byron.