Dictionary entry

Incline

Webster's Dictionary 1913

In‐cline″ (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Inclined (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Inclining.] [OE. inclinen, enclinen, OF. encliner, incliner, F. incliner, L. inclinare; pref. in- in + clinare to bend, incline; akin to E. lean. See Lean to incline.]

1. To deviate from a line, direction, or course, toward an object; to lean; to tend; as, converging lines incline toward each other; a road inclines to the north or south.

2. Fig.: To lean or tend, in an intellectual or moral sense; to favor an opinion, a course of conduct, or a person; to have a propensity or inclination; to be disposed.

Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech. Judges ix. 3.

Power finds its balance, giddy motions cease

In both the scales, and each inclines to peace. Parnell.

3. To bow; to incline the head. Chaucer.

Syn. — To lean; slope; slant; tend; bend.