Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Swayed \Swayed\, a.
   Bent down, and hollow in the back; sway-backed; -- said of a
   horse. --Shak.

Sway \Sway\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Swayed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Swaying}.] [OE. sweyen, Icel. sveigja, akin to E. swing; cf.
   D. zwaaijen to wield, swing. See {Swing}, and cf. {Swag}, v.
   i.]
   1. To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to
      sway the scepter.

            As sparkles from the anvil rise, When heavy hammers
            on the wedge are swayed.              --Spenser.

   2. To influence or direct by power and authority; by
      persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to
      guide.

            The will of man is by his reason swayed. --Shak.

            She could not sway her house.         --Shak.

            This was the race To sway the world, and land and
            sea subdue.                           --Dryden.

   3. To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and
      forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp; as, reeds swayed
      by wind; judgment swayed by passion.

            As bowls run true by being made On purpose false,
            and to be swayed.                     --Hudibras.

            Let not temporal and little advantages sway you
            against a more durable interest.      --Tillotson.

   4. (Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards.

   Syn: To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move;
        wave; wield.