Definition of sway

• v. i. - To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to sway the scepter.
• v. i. - To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide.
• v. i. - 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.
• v. i. - To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.
• v. i. - To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline.
• v. i. - To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward.
• v. i. - To have weight or influence.
• v. i. - To bear sway; to rule; to govern.
• n. - The act of swaying; a swaying motion; the swing or sweep of a weapon.
• n. - Influence, weight, or authority that inclines to one side; as, the sway of desires.
• n. - Preponderance; turn or cast of balance.
• n. - Rule; dominion; control.
• n. - A switch or rod used by thatchers to bind their work.