Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VA'RY, v.t. [L. vario, Fr. varier; Sp. variar; It. variare; probably allied to Eng. veer, Sp. birar, L. verto, Eth. በረየ bari, whence አስተባረየ, to alternate. See Class Br, No. 11, and No. 23.]

1. To alter in form, appearance, substance or position; to make different by a partial change; as, to vary a thing in dimensions; to vary its properties, proportions or nature; to vary the posture or attitude of a thing; to vary one's dress.
2. To change to something else. Gods, that never change their state, / Vary oft their love and hate. – Waller. We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies. – Dryden.
3. To make of different kinds. God hath varied the inclinations of men, according to the variety of actions to be performed. – Browne.
4. To diversify; to variegate. God hath here / Varied his bounty so with new delights. – Milton.