BENT

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, grassy place, ~ grass, from Old English beonot-; akin to Old High German binuz rush Date: 14th century unenclosed grassland, 2. a. a reedy grass, a stalk of stiff coarse grass, ~ grass , II. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from past participle of benden to bend Date: 14th century changed by bending out of an originally straight or even condition , strongly inclined ; determined , 3. slang different from the normal or usual, dishonest , corrupt , III. noun Etymology: irregular from 1bend Date: 1586 1. a strong inclination or interest ; bias , a special inclination or capacity ; talent , capacity of endurance, a transverse framework (as in a bridge) to carry lateral as well as vertical loads, see: gift