Sway·ing, n. An injury caused by violent strains or by overloading; -- said of the backs of horses.

 ◄ ►


 Sway v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swayed p. pr. & vb. n. Swaying.]
 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.