Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SWELL, v.t.

1. To increase the size, bulk, or dimensions of; to cause to rise, dilate, or increase. Rains and dissolving snow swell the rivers in spring, and cause floods. Jordan is swelled by the snows of mount Libanus.
2. To aggravate; to highten. It is low ebb with the accuser, when such peccadillos are put to swell the charge. – Atterbury.
3. To raise to arrogance; as, to be swelled with pride or haughtiness.
4. To enlarge. These sums swell the amount of taxes to a fearful size. These victories served to swell the fame of the commander.
5. In music, to augment, as the sound of a note.