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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
In*cline", n.
An inclined plane; an ascent o descent; a grade or gradient; a slope.
© Webster 1913.