As sparkles from the anvil rise, When heavy hammers
on the wedge are swayed. --Spenser.
2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by
persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to
guide.
The will of man is by his reason swayed. --Shak.
She could not sway her house. --Shak.
This was the race To sway the world, and land and
sea subdue. --Dryden.
3. To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and
forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp; as, reeds swayed
by wind; judgment swayed by passion.
As bowls run true by being made On purpose false,
and to be swayed. --Hudibras.
Let not temporal and little advantages sway you
against a more durable interest. --Tillotson.
4. (Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.
Syn: To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move;
wave; wield.