Syn. — To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield.

SWAY
Sway, v. i.

1. To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline. The balance sways on our part. Bacon.

2. To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward.

3. To have weight or influence. The example of sundry churches . . . doth sway much. Hooker.

4. To bear sway; to rule; to govern. Hadst thou swayed as kings should do. Shak.

SWAY
Sway, n.

1. The act of swaying; a swaying motion; the swing or sweep of a weapon. With huge two-handed sway brandished aloft. Milton.

2. Influence, weight, or authority that inclines to one side; as, the sway of desires. A. Tucker.

3. Preponderance; turn or cast of balance. Expert When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway Of battle. Milton.