Float, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Floated; p. pr. & vb. n. Floating.]
 1. To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up.
    The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground.   --Milton.
 Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast,
 I floated.   --Dryden.
 2. To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air.
    They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the wind.   --Pope.
    There seems a floating whisper on the hills.   --Byron.