Sway (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Swayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Swaying.] [OE. sweyen, Icel. sveigja, akin to E. swing; cf. D. zwaaijen to wield, swing. See Swing, and cf. Swag, v. i.] 1. To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to sway the scepter.
As sparkles from the anvil rise,
When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed. Spenser.
2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide.
The will of man is by his reason swayed. Shak.
She could not sway her house. Shak.
This was the race
To sway the world, and land and sea subdue. Dryden.
3. To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp; as, reeds swayed by wind; judgment swayed by passion.
As bowls run true by being made
On purpose false, and to be swayed. Hudibras.
Let not temporal and little advantages sway you against a more durable interest. Tillotson.
4. (Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.
Syn. — To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield.