Tend, v. i. [F. tendre, L. tendere, tensum and tentum, to stretch,
extend, direct one's course, tend; akin to Gr. &?; to stretch, Skr.
tan. See Thin, and cf. Tend to attend, Contend, Intense, Ostensible,
Portent, Tempt, Tender to offer, Tense, a.] 1. To move in a certain
direction; — usually with to or towards.
Two gentlemen tending towards that sight.
Sir H. Wotton.
Thus will this latter, as the former world, Still tend from bad to
worse.
Milton.
The clouds above me to the white Alps tend.
Byron.
2. To be directed, as to any end, object, or purpose; to aim; to have
or give a leaning; to exert activity or influence; to serve as a means;
to contribute; as, our petitions, if granted, might tend to our
destruction.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every
one that is hasty only to want.
Prov. xxi. 5.
The laws of our religion tend to the universal happiness of mankind.
Tillotson.
Tend"ance (?), n. [See Tend to attend, and cf. Attendance.] 1. The act
of attending or waiting; attendance. [Archaic] Spenser.
The breath Of her sweet tendance hovering over him.
Tennyson.