Sleep, v. i. [imp. & p. p.Slept (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Sleeping.] [OE. slepen, AS. sl�pan; akin to OFries. sl�pa, OS. slāpan, D. slapen, OHG. slāfan, G. schlafen, Goth. sl�pan, and G. schlaff slack, loose, and L. labi to glide, slide, labare to totter. Cf. Lapse.] 1. To take rest by a suspension of the voluntary exercise of the powers of the body and mind, and an apathy of the organs of sense; to slumber. Chaucer.
Watching at the head of these that sleep. Milton.
2. Figuratively: (a) To be careless, inattentive, or uncouncerned; not to be vigilant; to live thoughtlessly.
We sleep over our happiness. Atterbury.
(b) To be dead; to lie in the grave.
Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thess. iv. 14.
(c) To be, or appear to be, in repose; to be quiet; to be unemployed, unused, or unagitated; to rest; to lie dormant; as, a question sleeps for the present; the law sleeps.
How sweet the moonlight sleep upon this bank! Shak.