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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