"lean" Definition

Definitions for the word "lean" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To conceal.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
To incline, deviate, or bend, from a vertical position; to be in a position thus inclining or deviating; as, she leaned out at the window; a leaning column.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To incline in opinion or desire; to conform in conduct; -- with to, toward, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To rest or rely, for support, comfort, and the like; -- with on, upon, or against.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To cause to lean; to incline; to support or rest.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
Wanting flesh; destitute of or deficient in fat; not plump; meager; thin; lank; as, a lean body; a lean cattle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
Wanting fullness, richness, sufficiency, or productiveness; deficient in quality or contents; slender; scant; barren; bare; mean; -- used literally and figuratively; as, the lean harvest; a lean purse; a lean discourse; lean wages.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
Of a character which prevents the compositor from earning the usual wages; -- opposed to fat; as, lean copy, matter, or type.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
That part of flesh which consist principally of muscle without the fat.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Unremunerative copy or work.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v.
(past and past part. Leaned or leant) 1 (often foll. By across, back, over, etc.) Be or place in a sloping position; incline from the perpendicular. 2 (foll. By against, on, upon) (cause to) rest for support against etc. 3 (foll. By on, upon) rely on. 4 (foll. By to, towards) be inclined or partial to. n. Deviation from the perpendicular; inclination. lean on colloq. Put pressure on (a person) to act in a certain way. Lean over backwards see *backwards. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
12. adj.
1 (of a person or animal) thin; having no superfluous fat. 2 (of meat) containing little fat. 3 meagre. n. Lean part of meat. leanness n. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "lean" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "lean" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "lean") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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