v.tr. (past and past part. lent) 1 (usu. foll. by to) grant (to a person) the use of (a thing) on the understanding that it or its equivalent shall be returned. 2 allow the use of (money) at interest. 3 bestow or contribute (something temporary) (lend assistance; lends a certain charm). lend an ear (or one's ears) listen. lend a hand = give a hand (see HAND). lending library a library from which books may be temporarily taken away with or Brit. without direct payment. lend itself to (of a thing) be suitable for. Lend-Lease hist. an arrangement made in 1941 whereby the US supplied equipment etc. to the UK and its allies, orig. as a loan in return for the use of British-owned military bases. lend oneself to accommodate oneself to (a policy or purpose). lendable adj. lender n. lending n.
[ ME, earlier lene(n) f. OE lnan f. ln LOAN(1) ]