Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SWAY, n.

1. The swing or sweep of a weapon. To strike with huge two-handed sway. – Milton.
2. Any thing moving with bulk and power. Are not you mov'd when all the sway of earth / Shakes like a thing unfirm? – Shak.
3. Preponderation; turn or cast of balance. Expert / When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway of battle. – Milton.
4. Power exerted in governing; rule; dominion; control. When vice prevails and impious men bear sway, / The post of honor is a private station. – Addison.
5. Influence; weight or authority that inclines to one side; as, the sway of desires. All the world is subject to the sway of fashion.