sweɪ v. & n. --v. 1 intr. & tr. lean or
cause to lean unsteadily in
different directions alternately. 2 intr.
oscillate irregularly;
waver. 3 tr. a
control the motion or
direction of. b
have influence or
rule over. --n. 1 rule, influence, or
government (hold sway). 2 a swaying motion or
position. øsway-back an abnormally hollowed
back (esp. of a horse);
lordosis. sway-backed (esp. of a horse) having a sway-back. [ME:
cf. LG swajen be
blown to
and fro, Du. zwaaien
swing, wave]