Smile

[imp. & p. p. SMILED; p. pr. & vb. n. SMILING.] [Dan. smile, Sw. smila, M. H. Ger. smielen, smieren, O. Ger. schmielen, schmæren, allied to Skr. smi, to laugh, Serb. smije, a smile.]

1Sense 1. To contract the features of the face in such a manner as to express pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness; — the contrary to frown.

She smiled to see the doughty hero slain. Pope.

When last I saw thy young blue eyes, they smiled. Byron.

2Sense 2. To express slight contempt by a look implying sarcasm or pity; to sneer.

'Twas what I said to Craggs and Child, Who praised my modesty, and smiled. Pope.

3Sense 3. To look gay and joyous; or to have an appearance to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smiling plenty.

The desert smiled. And paradise was opened in the wild. Pope.

4Sense 4. To be propitious or favorable; to favor; to countenance; as, may Heaven smile on our labors.

n. 1. The act of smiling; a peculiar contraction of the features of the face, which naturally expresses pleasure, moderate joy, approbation, or kindness; — opposed to frown. “Sweet intercourse of looks and smiles.” Milton.

2Sense 2. A somewhat similar expression of countenance, indicative of satisfaction combined with malevolent feelings, as contempt, scorn, &c.; as, a scornful smile.

3Sense 3. Favor; countenance; propitiousness; as, the smiles of Providence.

4Sense 4. Gay or joyous appearance; as, the smiles of spring.