Obs. [a. L. variāt-, ppl. stem of variāre: see prec.]
1. trans. To produce a modification, variation or change in (something); to alter, cause to change.
1566. Painter, Pal. Pleas., I. (1569), 105 b. The perfection of that which thus doth variat and alter bothe my thoughts and passions. Ibid., II. 128. The examples also of sutch diversity do variate and make diverse the affections of men.
1653. Gauden, Hierasp., Pref. 2. Others … study to variate and shift the extern forms and models of Religion.
1701. Beverley, Praise of Glory of Grace, 45. Not Variating this Enquiry into the Multiplicity of the Lesser and more Particular Causes.
1770. Baretti, Journ. Lond. to Genoa, I. xxi. 162. Female dress is no where variated so much as … in this country.
2. intr. To vary or change.
1591. Sylvester, Du Bartas, I. ii. 435. That which we touch, with times doth variate, Now hot, now cold.
Hence †Variated ppl. a.; † Variating vbl. sb. and ppl. a. Obs.
1608. J. King, Serm., 5 Nov., 33. What was the cause of their multiplied, variated complotments against hir?
1653. Gauden, Hierasp., 22. Their shiftings and variatings from one living to another. Ibid., 28. Who runs like a Badger, with variating and unequal motions.
1656. Artif. Handsom., 43. This artificial change is but a fixation of natures inconstancy,… helping its variating infirmities.
