De·pend v. i. [imp. & p. p. Depended; p. pr. & vb. n. Depending.]
1. To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above.
And ever-living lamps depend in rows. --Pope.
2. To hang in suspense; to be pending; to be undetermined or undecided; as, a cause depending in court.
You will not think it unnatural that those who have an object depending, which strongly engages their hopes and fears, should be somewhat inclined to superstition. --Burke.
3. To rely for support; to be conditioned or contingent; to be connected with anything, as a cause of existence, or as a necessary condition; -- followed by on or upon, formerly by of.
The truth of God's word dependeth not of the truth of the congregation. --Tyndale.
The conclusion . . . that our happiness depends little on political institutions, and much on the temper and regulation of our own minds. --Macaulay.
Heaven forming each on other to depend. --Pope.
4. To trust; to rest with confidence; to rely; to confide; to be certain; -- with on or upon; as, we depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we depend on the mail at the usual hour.
But if you 're rough, and use him like a dog,
Depend upon it -- he 'll remain incog. --Addison.
5. To serve; to attend; to act as a dependent or retainer. [Obs.]
6. To impend. [Obs.]
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