Main Entry: ¹lean

Pronunciation: \ˈlēn\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): leaned \ˈlēnd, chiefly British ˈlent\; lean·ing \ˈlē-niŋ\

Etymology: Middle English lenen, from Old English hleonian; akin to Old High German hlinēn to lean, Greek klinein, Latin clinare

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to incline, deviate, or bend from a vertical position b : to cast one's weight to one side for support
2 : to rely for support or inspiration
3 : to incline in opinion, taste, or desire <leaning toward a career in chemistry>transitive verb : to cause to lean : incline

— lean on : to apply pressure to