Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Lend \Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lent} (l[e^]nt); p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Lending}.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr.
   l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See {Loan}.]
   1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the
      return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to
      lend a book; -- opposed to {borrow}.

            Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but
            have no power To give it from me.     --Shak.

   2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the
      return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some
      article of food.

            Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor
            lend him thy victuals for increase.   --Levit. xxv.
                                                  37.

   3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend
      assistance; to lend one's name or influence.

            Cato, lend me for a while thy patience. --Addison.

            Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and
            largeness to his compositions.        --J. A.
                                                  Symonds.

   4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or
      gig.

   Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States,
         except with reference to money.

   {To lend a hand}, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]

   {To lend} {an ear or one's ears}, to give attention.

Lending \Lend"ing\, n.
   1. The act of one who lends.

   2. That which is lent or furnished.

Source : WordNet®

lending
     n : disposing of money or property with the expectation that the
         same thing (or an equivalent) will be returned [syn: {loaning}]