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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Attend

At-tēnd', v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. ATTENDED; p. pr. & vb. n. ATTENDING.] [Lat. attendere, to stretch (sc. animum, to apply the mind to), from Lat. ad and tendere, to stretch; Fr. attendre, to expect, to wait, Pr. atendre, Sp. atender, It. attendere. See TEND.]

Sense 1. To direct the attention to; to fix the mind upon; to give heed to; to regard; to consider. [Obs.]

The diligent pilot in a dangerous tempest doth not attend the unskillful words of the passenger. Sidney.

Sense 2. To go or stay with, as a companion, minister, or servant; to wait on; to serve.

The fifth had charge sick persons to attend. Spenser.

His companion, youthful Valentine, Attends the emperor. Shak.

Sense 3. To be present with; to accompany; to be united or consequent to; as, pain attended with fever; a measure attended with ill effects.

Sense 4. To wait for; to await; to remain, abide, or be in store for. [Obs.] “The state that attends all men after this.” Locke.

Three days I promised to attend my doom. Dryden.

At-tēnd', v. i.

verbintransitive

Sense 1. To apply the mind, or pay attention, with a view to perceive, understand, or comply; to pay regard; to heed;—usually followed by to.

Attend to the voice of my supplications. Ps. lxxxvi. 6. Man can not at the same time attend to two objects. Bp. Taylor.

Sense 2. To accompany or be present or near at hand, in pursuance of duty; to wait or be in waiting;—with on or upon.

He was required to attend upon the committee. Clarendon.

Sense 3. To stay; to delay. [Obs.]

For this perfection she must yet attend, Till to her Maker she espoused be. Davies.

Synonyms—To ATTEND, LISTEN, HEARKEN. We attend, with a view to hear and learn; we listen with fixed attention, in order to hear correctly, or to consider what has been said; we hearken when we listen with a willing mind, and in reference to obeying. It is of great importance for the learner to attend to the rules that are laid down: it becomes the young to hearken to the counsel of their elders, and to listen to the admonitions of conscience.

But, thy relation now! for I attend, Pleased with thy words. Milton.

Come, listen, listen, ladies gay; No haughty feats of arms I tell. Scott.

But hearken, lady; One thing I must entreat, your leave and sufferance. Beau. & Fl.

See ACCOMPANY.