Va″ry (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Varied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Varying.] [OE. varien, F. varier, L. variare, fr. varius various. See Various, and cf. Variate.]
1. To change the aspect of; to alter in form, appearance, substance, position, or the like; to make different by a partial change; to modify; as, to vary the properties, proportions, or nature of a thing; to vary a posture or an attitude; to vary one's dress or opinions.
Shall we vary our device at will,
Even as new occasion appears? Spenser.
2. To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to alternate.
Gods, that never change their state,
Vary oft their love and hate. Waller.
We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies. Dryden.
3. To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversify; to variegate.
God hath varied their inclinations. Sir T. Browne.
God hath here
Varied his bounty so with new delights. Milton.
4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See Variation, 4.