De-pĕnd', v. i.
[imp. & p. p. DEPENDED; p. pr. & vb. n. DEPENDING.] [Lat. dependĕre, from de and pendĕre, to hang; Fr. dépendre, Sp. depender, It. dipendere.]
- To hang; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above. “And ever-burning lamps depend in rows.” Pope.
- To be in suspense; to be or remain undetermined; as, a cause depending in court.
You will not think it unnatural that those who have an object depending, which strongly engages their hopes and fears, should be somewhat inclined to superstition. Burke. 3. To rely for support; to be conditioned or contingent; to stand related to any thing, as to an efficient or determining cause, or necessary condition, &c.;—followed by on or upon, formerly by of. The conclusion ... that our happiness depends little on political institutions, and much on the temper and regulation of our own minds. Macaulay.
- To rely; to rest with confidence; to trust; to confide; to have full confidence or belief; as, we depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we depend on the arrival of the mail at the usual hour.
- To be in a condition of service; to act as a dependent or retainer.
And the remainders that shall still depend, To be such men as may besort your age. Shak.