(tend) v.i.
1. To have an aptitude, tendency, or disposition; incline: He tends to talk too much.
2. To have influence toward a specified result; lead or conduce: Education tends to refinement.
3. To go in a certain direction. [<OF tendre <L tendere extend, tend]

(tend) v.t.
1. To attend to the needs or requirements of; take care of; minister to: to tend a fire.
2. To watch over; look after: to tend children.
3. To watch (a vessel at anchor) with the intention of so managing her when the tide changes as to prevent fouling the anchor and chain.
—v.i.
4. To be in attendance; serve or wait: with on or upon.
5. Colloq. To give attention or care: with to. [Aphetic var. of ATTEND]