Lean | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Lēan, v. i.

verbintransitive

(leen), v. i. [imp. & p. p. LEANED, sometimes LEANT (lēnt); p. pr. & vb. n. LEANING.] [A-S. hlinian, hlēonian, linian, O. Sax. hlinon, O. H. Ger. hlinōn, hlinēn, linēn, N. H. Ger. lehnen, Sw. lōnn, Dan. läne, D. leunen, allied to Lat. clinare, inclinare, Gr. κλίνειν, Ir. & Gael. claon.]

Sense 1. To deviate or move from a perpendicular position or line; to be in a position thus deviating; as, a leaning column.

Sense 2. To incline in opinion or inclination; to conform in conduct; — with to or into. “No one of whom had the slightest leaning toward Popery.” Jeffrey.

They delight rather to lean to their old customs. Spenser.

Sense 3. To bend; to be in a bending posture.

She leans out at her mistress’s chamber window. Shak.

His arms rested carelessly on his knees as he leant forward. Dickens.

Sense 4. To depend for support, comfort, and the like; — with on or upon.

Lēan, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest. “Leant her head upon the back.” E. B. Browning.

His fainting limbs against an oak he leans. Dryden.

Lēan, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [Icel. leyna.] To conceal. [Obs.] Ray.

Lēan, a.

adjective

(leen), a. [compar. LEANER; superl. LEANEST.] [A-S. læne, M. H. Ger. lēn, weak, Prov. Ger. lēn, allied to Lat. lenis, soft, mild, moderate.]

Wanting flesh; meager; not fat; as, a lean body; a lean man or animal.
Deficient in good qualities; not rich, fertile, or productive; bare; barren; as, lean earth.
Destitute of that which improves or entertains; barren of thought; jejune; as, a lean discourse or dissertation.
Low; poor;—in opposition to rich or great; as, a lean action. [Rare.]

Syn.—Slender; spare; thin; meager; lank; skinny; gaunt.

Lēan, n.

noun

n. That part of flesh which consists of muscle without the fat.