The original pa. pple. of BEND v., superseded in ME. by bend, bent, but used again, from 14th c. onwards, as a longer form of BENT (q.v. for the sense); it is now semi-archaic, and used chiefly in on bended knees, etc.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVIII. iii. (1495), 749. The hornes of a ramme ben crokyd and bended as a rounde shell.
1599. Shaks., Hen. V., V. Chor. 18. His bruised Helmet, and his bended Sword.
1660. Blount, Boscobel, 55. And now on my bended knees, let me joyfully congratulate His restored Majesty.
c. 1790. Imison, Sch. Arts, I. 73. Fix the bended glass-pipe C air-tight into the bottle D.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., V. ix. Bonnets and spears and bended bows.
1837. Sir F. Palgrave, Merch. & Friar, iv. (1844), 176. ‘Gracious Sovereign, replied the Chancellor, dropping off the Woolsack upon his bended knees.
