Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TEND, v.t. [contracted from attend, L. attendo; ad and tendo, to stretch, W. tannu. Attention denotes a straining of the mind.]

1. To watch; to guard; to accompany as an assistant or protector. And flaming ministers to watch and tend / Their earthly charge. Milton. There is a pleasure in that simplicity, in beholding princes tending their flocks. Pope.
2. To hold and take care of; as, to tend a child.
3. To be attentive to. Unsuck'd of lamb or kid that tend their play. Milton.