v. 1 tr. a be present at (attended the meeting). b go regularly to (attends the local school). 2 intr. a be present (many members failed to attend). b be present in a serving capacity; wait. 3 a tr. escort, accompany (the king was attended by soldiers). b intr. (foll. by on) wait on; serve. 4 intr. a (usu. foll. by to) turn or apply one's mind; focus one's attention (attend to what I am saying; was not attending). b (foll. by to) deal with (shall attend to the matter myself). 5 tr. (usu. in passive) follow as a result from (the error was attended by serious consequences). attender n.
[ ME f. OF atendre f. L attendere (as AD-, tendere tent- stretch) ]