Float, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Floated; p. pr. & vb. n. Floating.]
  1. To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up.
     The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground.   --Milton.
  Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast,
  I floated.   --Dryden.
  2. To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air.
     They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the wind.   --Pope.
     There seems a floating whisper on the hills.   --Byron.