\Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lent} (l[e^]nt); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Lending}.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr.
l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See {Loan}.]
1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the
   return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to
   lend a book; -- opposed to {borrow}.
         Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but
         have no power To give it from me.     --Shak.
2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the
   return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some
   article of food.
         Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor
         lend him thy victuals for increase.   --Levit. xxv.
                                               37.
3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend
   assistance; to lend one's name or influence.
         Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. --Addison.
         Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and
         largeness to his compositions.        --J. A.
                                               Symonds.
4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or
   gig.
Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States,
      except with reference to money.
{To lend a hand}, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]
{To lend} {an ear or one's ears}, to give attention.