In*cline" , n. An inclined plane; an ascent or descent; a grade or gradient; a slope.
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" (?), 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.
Hear it pronounced