4. Rule; dominion; control. Cowper. When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, The post of honor is a private station. Addison.
5. A switch or rod used by thatchers to bind their work. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
Syn. — Rule; dominion; power; empire; control; influence; direction; preponderance; ascendency.
SWAY-BACKED
Sway"-backed`, a.
Defn: Having the back hollow or sagged, whether naturally or as the result of injury or weakness; — said of horses and other animals.
SWAY BAR Sway bar. (Vehicles) (a) A bar attached to the hounds, in the rear of the front axle, so as to slide on the reach as the axle is swung in turning the vehicle. (b) Either of the two bars used in coupling the front and rear sleds of a logging sled; also, the bar used to couple two logging cars.
SWAY-BRACING
Sway"-bra`cing, n. (Engin.)
Defn: The horizontal bracing of a bridge, which prevents its swaying.
SWAYED
Swayed, a.
Defn: Bent down, and hollow in the back; sway-backed; — said of a horse. Shak.