Swell

Swell Swell, v. i. [imp. {Swelled}; p. p. {Swelled} or {Swollen}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Swelling}.] [AS. swellan; akin to D. zwellen, OS. & OHG. swellan, G. schwellen, Icel. svella, Sw. sv["a]lla.] 1. To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation. [1913 Webster]

2. To increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its banks; sounds swell or diminish. [1913 Webster]

3. To rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as, in tempest, the ocean swells into waves. [1913 Webster]

4. To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride. [1913 Webster]

You swell at the tartan, as the bull is said to do at scarlet. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

5. To be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell. [1913 Webster]

6. To be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling words; a swelling style. [1913 Webster]

7. To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle. [1913 Webster]

8. To be elated; to rise arrogantly. [1913 Webster]

Your equal mind yet swells not into state. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

9. To grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand. ``Monarchs to behold the swelling scene!'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

10. To become larger in amount; as, many little debts added, swell to a great amount. [1913 Webster]

11. To act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to strut; to look big. [1913 Webster]

Here he comes, swelling like a turkey cock. --Shak. [1913 Webster]