TEND (2)

Tend, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tended; p. pr. & vb. n. Tending.] [[Aphetic form of attend. See Attend, Tend to move, and cf. Tender one that tends or attends.]] 1. 1. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds tend their flocks. Shak.
And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge. Milton. There 's not a sparrow or a wren, There 's not a blade of autumn grain, Which the four seasons do not tend And tides of life and increase lend. Emerson. 2. 2. To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.
Being to descend A ladder much in height, I did not tend My way well down. Chapman. To tend a vessel (Naut.), to manage an anchored vessel when the tide turns, so that in swinging she shall not entangle the cable.