pret. swelled; pp. swelled. Swollen is nearly obsolete.

To grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface or dimensions by matter added to the interior part, or by expansion of the inclosed substance. Thus the legs swell in dropsy; a bruised part swells; a tumor swells; a bladder swells by inflation.

To increase in size or extent by any addition; as, a river swells and overflows its banks.

To rise or be driven into waves or billows. In a tempest, the ocean swells into waves mountain high.

To be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride.

To be gloated with anger; to be exasperated. He swells with rage.

To be inflated; to belly; as swelling sails.

To be turgid or bombastic; as swelling words; a swelling style.

To protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle.

To be elated; to rise into arrogance. Your equal mind yet swells not into state.

To grow more violent; as, a moderate passion may swell to fury.

To grow upon the view; to become larger. --And monarachs to be hold the swelling scene.

To become larger in amount. Many little debts added, swell to a great amount.

To become louder; as, a sound gradually swells as it approaches.

To strut; to look big. --Swelling like a turkey cock.

To rise in altitude; as, land swells into hills.

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.

To aggravate; to highten. It is low ebb with the accuser, when such peccadillos are put to swell the charge.

To raise to arrogance; as, to be swelled with pride or haughtiness.

To enlarge. These sums swell the amount of taxes to a fearful size. These victories served to swell the fame of the commander.