In*cline" (?), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Inclined (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Inclining.] [OE. inclinen, enclinen, OF.
encliner, incliner, F. incliner, L.
inclinare; pref. in- in + clinare to bend,
incline; akin to E. lean. See Lean to incline.]
1. To deviate from a line, direction, or
course, toward an object; to lean; to tend; as, converging lines
incline toward each other; a road inclines to the north
or south.
2. Fig.: To lean or tend, in an intellectual
or moral sense; to favor an opinion, a course of conduct, or a
person; to have a propensity or inclination; to be
disposed.
Their hearts inclined to follow
Abimelech.
Judges ix. 3.
Power finds its balance, giddy motions cease
In both the scales, and each inclines to peace.
Parnell.
3. To bow; to incline the head.
Chaucer.
Syn. -- To lean; slope; slant; tend; bend.
In*cline", v. t. 1.
To cause to deviate from a line, position, or direction; to give
a leaning, bend, or slope to; as, incline the column or post
to the east; incline your head to the right.
Incline thine ear, O Lord, and
hear.
Is. xxxvii. 17.
2. To impart a tendency or propensity to, as
to the will or affections; to turn; to dispose; to
influence.
Incline my heart unto thy
testimonies.
Ps. cxix. 36.
Incline our hearts to keep this
law.
Book of Com. Prayer.
3. To bend; to cause to stoop or bow; as, to
incline the head or the body in acts of reverence or
civility.
With due respect my body I
inclined.
Dryden.
In*cline", n. An inclined plane;
an ascent or descent; a grade or gradient; a slope.
