Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tend \Tend\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tended}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Tending}.] [Aphetic form of attend. See {Attend}, {Tend} to
   move, and cf. {Tender} one that tends or attends.]
   1. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the
      wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds
      tend their flocks. --Shak.

            And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their
            earthly charge.                       --Milton.

            There 's not a sparrow or a wren, There 's not a
            blade of autumn grain, Which the four seasons do not
            tend And tides of life and increase lend. --Emerson.

   2. To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.

            Being to descend A ladder much in height, I did not
            tend My way well down.                --Chapman.

   {To tend a vessel} (Naut.), to manage an anchored vessel when
      the tide turns, so that in swinging she shall not entangle
      the cable.