Swell, v. t. 1. To increase the size, bulk, or dimensions of; to cause to rise, dilate, or increase; as, rains and dissolving snow swell the rivers in spring; immigration swells the population.
swells her high, heart-cheering tone. Keble.
2. To aggravate; to heighten.
It is low ebb with his accuser when such peccadilloes are put to swell the charge. Atterbury.
3. To raise to arrogance; to puff up; to inflate; as, to be swelled with pride or haughtiness.
4. (Mus.) To augment gradually in force or loudness, as the sound of a note.