Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LEAN, v.i. [Sax. hlinian, hleonian, to lean; linian, to recline; G. lehnen; D. leunen; Dan. læner; Sw. läna sig; Ir. claonaim; Russ. klonyu; Gr. κλινω; L. clino. Class Ln, No. 3.]

1. To deviate or move from a straight or perpendicular line or to be in a position thus deviating. We say, a column leans to the north or to the east; it leans to the right or left.
2. To incline or propend; to tend toward. They delight rather to lean to their old – Spenser. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not to thy own understanding. Prov. iii.
3. To bend or incline so as to rest on something; as, to lean against a wall or a pillar; to lean on the arm of another.
4. To bend; to be in a bending posture.