Sway·ing, n. An injury caused by violent strains or by overloading; -- said of the backs of horses.
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Sway v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swayed p. pr. & vb. n. Swaying.]
1. To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to sway the scepter.
As sparkles from the anvil rise,
When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed. --Spenser.
2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide.
The will of man is by his reason swayed. --Shak.
She could not sway her house. --Shak.
This was the race
To sway the world, and land and sea subdue. --Dryden.
3. To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp; as, reeds swayed by wind; judgment swayed by passion.
As bowls run true by being made
On purpose false, and to be swayed. --Hudibras.
Let not temporal and little advantages sway you against a more durable interest. --Tillotson.
4. Naut. To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.
Syn: -- To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield.