Lean (lēn), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Leaned (lēnd), sometimes Leant (lĕnt); p. pr. & vb. n.Leaning.] [OE. lenen, AS. hlinian, hleonian, v. i.; akin to OS. hlinōn, D. leunen, OHG. hlinēn, linēn, G. lehnen, L. inclinare, Gr. κλίνειν, L. clivus hill, slope. √40. Cf. Declivity, Climax, Incline, Ladder.] 1. To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column. “He leant forward.” Dickens.
2. To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; — with to, toward, etc.
They delight rather to lean to their old customs. Spenser.
3. To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; — with on, upon, or against.
He leaned not on his fathers but himself. Tennyson.