Also 8–9 (improperly) tendence. [Aphetic form of ATTENDANCE, or sometimes f. TEND v.1 + -ANCE.]
1. The attending to, or looking after, anything; tending, attention, care.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 128. Hops dried in loft, aske tendance oft.
1667. Milton, P. L., VIII. 47. They at her coming sprung And toucht by her fair tendance gladlier grew.
1790. H. Boyd, Ruins of Athens.
| What cautious care | |
| The propagation, tendence, nutriment | |
| Of this ethereal seminary claim. |
1835. Trench, Justin Martyr, etc. (1862), 17. That by careful watering And earnest tendance we might bring The bud, the blossom and the fruit.
1897. Scotsman, 10 Nov., 8/4. The working and tendence of every machine … should be reserved for its members.
b. The object of care or attention. rare–1.
1645. Milton, Tetrach., I. Wks. 1851, IV. 153. Whether it [loneliness] be a thing, or the want of somthing, I labour not; let it be their tendance, who have the art to be industriously idle.
2. The bestowal of personal attention and care; ministration to the sick or weak.
1578. Chr. Prayers, in Priv. Prayers (Parker Soc.), 544. That I may not have need of so great strength, tendance, and cunning.
1683. Kennett, trans. Erasm. on Folly, 42. How troublesome our tendance in the cradle.
1760–72. H. Brooke, Fool of Qual. (1809), IV. 39. My … affectionate tendance shall … compensate for my want of address.
1876. Geo. Eliot, Dan. Der., lxvi. His daughter’s dutiful tendance.
b. Attendants collectively; train or retinue.
1607. Shaks., Timon, I. i. 80. All those … Follow his strides, his Lobbies fill with tendance.
1814. Scott, Ld. of Isles, III. vii. Now torch and menial tendance led Chieftain and knight to bower and bed.
1868. Geo. Eliot, Sp. Gipsy, I. 113. I shall send tendance as I pass, to bear This casket to your chamber.
† 3. Waiting in expectation. Obs.
1591. Spenser, M. Hubberd, 908. Unhappie wight … That doth his life in so long tendance spend!
