v. (past and past part. rent) archaic or rhet. 1 tr. (foll. by off, from, away, etc.; also absol.) tear or wrench forcibly. 2 tr. & intr. split or divide in pieces or into factions (a country rent by civil war). 3 tr. cause emotional pain to (the heart etc.). rend the air sound piercingly. rend one's garments (or hair) display extreme grief or rage.
[ OE rendan, rel. to MLG rende ]