Smile (smīl), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Smiled (smīld); p. pr. & vb. n.Smiling.] [OE. smilen; akin to Dan. smile, Sw. smila, MHG. smielen, smieren, L. mirari to wonder at, Skr. smi to smile; and probably to E. smicker. √173. Cf. Admire, Marvel, Smirk.] 1. To express amusement, pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness, by the features of the face; to laugh silently.
He doth nothing but frown.... He hears merry tales and smiles not. Shak.
She smiled to see the doughty hero slain. Pope.
When last I saw thy young blue eyes, they smiled. Byron.
2. To express slight contempt by a look implying sarcasm or pity; to sneer.
'T was what I said to Craggs and Child,
Who praised my modesty, and smiled. Pope.
3. To look gay and joyous; to have an appearance suited to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smiling plenty.
The desert smiled,
And paradise was opened in the wild. Pope.
4. To be propitious or favorable; to favor; to countenance; — often with on; as, to smile on one's labors.