1. (v. i.) To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to sway the scepter.

2. (v. i.) To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide.

3. (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.

4. (v. i.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.

5. (v. i.) To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline.

6. (v. i.) To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward.

7. (v. i.) To have weight or influence.

8. (v. i.) To bear sway; to rule; to govern.

9. (n.) The act of swaying; a swaying motion; the swing or sweep of a weapon.

10. (n.) Influence, weight, or authority that inclines to one side; as, the sway of desires.

11. (n.) Preponderance; turn or cast of balance.

12. (n.) Rule; dominion; control.

13. (n.) A switch or rod used by thatchers to bind their work.