Definition of "bend" []

• To bring (something) into a state of tension: bend a bow. (verb-transitive)
• To cause to assume a curved or angular shape: bend a piece of iron into a horseshoe. (verb-transitive)
• To force to assume a different direction or shape, according to one's own purpose: "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events” ( Robert F. Kennedy). (verb-transitive)
• To misrepresent; distort: bend the truth. (verb-transitive)
• To relax or make an exception to: bend a rule to allow more members into the club. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Charges set diagonally on the field of a Shield, in the position in which a bend would occupy, are said to be “_in bend_” and are arranged in the same manner: but it would be quite possible to have three or more charges each disposed bendwise; but yet, nevertheless, when taken together occupying the position of a fesse and therefore described also as in fesse."
• "The word "bend" is thrice repeated: "Against him that bendeth let him that bendeth bend," to imply the utmost straining of the bow."
• "As sheet bends are used to attach two lines of differing diameter, a double sheet bend is used for two lines of radically differing diameter, with the smaller performing the double wrap around the larger."