Dwell

v. i. [imp. & p. p. DWELLED, usually contracted into DWELT; p. pr. & vb. n. DWELLING.] [Scot. dwell, duell, duel, to delay, tarry, Dan. dvæle, to stay, linger, dwell, Sw. dröijas, to abide, linger, O. Sw. dvæla, to delay, N. Sw. a trance, Icel. dvelia, to linger, delay, dvāli, dream, delay, allied to A-S. dvēlan, to be stupid. Cf. DULL.] To abide as a permanent resident, or to inhabit for a time; to live during a considerable period in a place; to have a habitation for some time or permanence; to be domiciled; to remain.

The parish in which I was born, dwell, and have possessions. Peacham.

To dwell on, or upon, to continue on; to occupy a long time with; to be detained by; to be tedious; as, to dwell on a topic:—also, to hang on with attention; to remain absorbed with; to cleave to with fond affection.

The attentive queen Dwelt on his accents. Smith.

They stand at a distance, dwelling on his looks and language, fixed in amazement. Buckminster.

Synonyms—To inhabit; reside; sojourn; continue; stay; rest.