Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AF-FORD', v.t. [ad and the root of forth, further; G. fördern, to further or promote; D. voorderen; Dan. befordrer, to further. The sense is to send forth. But I have not found this precise word in the exact sense of the English, in any other language.]

1. To yield or produce as fruit, profit, issues, or result. Thus, the earth affords grain; a well affords water; trade affords profit; distilled liquors afford spirit.
2. To yield, grant, or confer; as, a good life affords consolation in old age.
3. To be able to grant or sell with profit or without loss; as, A can afford wine at a less price than B.
4. To be able to expend without injury to one's estate; as, a man can afford a sum yearly in charity; or be able to bear expenses, or the price of the thing purchased; as, one man can afford to buy a farm, which another can not.
5. To be able without loss or with profit. The merchant can afford to trade for smaller profits. – Hamilton.