They thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the
hill.
Luke iv. 29.
In thy right hand lead with thee The mountain nymph, sweet Liberty.
Milton.
2. To guide or conduct in a certain course, or to a certain place or
end, by making the way known; to show the way, esp. by going with or
going in advance of. Hence, figuratively: To direct; to counsel; to
instruct; as, to lead a traveler; to lead a pupil.
The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead
them the way.
Ex. xiii. 21.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Ps. xxiii. 2.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask. Content,
though blind, had I no better guide.
Milton.
3. To conduct or direct with authority; to have direction or charge of;
as, to lead an army, an exploring party, or a search; to lead a
political party.
Christ took not upon him flesh and blood that he might conquer and
rule nations, lead armies, or possess places.
South.
4. To go or to be in advance of; to precede; hence, to be foremost or
chief among; as, the big sloop led the fleet of yachts; the Guards led
the attack; Demosthenes leads the orators of all ages.
As Hesperus, that leads the sun his way.
Fairfax.
And lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
Leigh Hunt.
5. To draw or direct by influence, whether good or bad; to prevail on;
to induce; to entice; to allure; as, to lead one to espouse a righteous
cause.
He was driven by the necessities of the times, more than led by his
own disposition, to any rigor of actions.
Eikon Basilike.
Silly women, laden with sins, led away by divers lusts.