TEND, verb transitive [contracted from attend, Latin attendo; ad and tendo, to stretch.]

1. To watch; to guard; to accompany as an assistant or protector.

And flaming ministers to watch and tend

Their earthly charge--

There is a pleasure in that simplicity, in beholding princes tending their flocks.

2. To hold and take care of; as, to tend a child.

3. To be attentive to.

Unsuck'd of lamb or kid that tend their play.

TEND, verb transitive [Latin tendo; teneo.]

1. To move in a certain direction.

Having overheard two gentlemen tending towards that sight--

Here Dardanus was born, and hither tends.

2. To be directed to any end or purpose; to aim at; to have or give a leaning.

The laws of our religion tend to the universal happiness of mankind.

3. To contribute. Our petitions, if granted, might tend to our destruction.

4. [for attend.] To attend; to wait as attendants or servants.

He tends upon my father. [Colloquial.]

5. To attend as something inseparable. [Not in use.]

6. To wait; to expect. [Not in use.]

7. To swing round an anchor, as a ship.