What is "to lend one's ears"

Lend \Lend\ (l[e^]nd), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lent (l[e^]nt); p. pr. & vb. n. Lending.] [OE. lenen, AS. l[=ae]nan, fr. l[=ae]n loan; akin to G. lehnen to lend. See Loan.]

1. To allow the custody and use of, on condition of the return of the same; to grant the temporary use of; as, to lend a book; -- opposed to borrow.

   Give me that ring. I'll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power To give it from me.
   --Shak.

2. To allow the possession and use of, on condition of the return of an equivalent in kind; as, to lend money or some article of food.

   Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.
   --Levit. xxv. 37.

3. To afford; to grant or furnish in general; as, to lend assistance; to lend one's name or influence.

   Cato, lend me for a while thy patience.
   --Addison.

   Mountain lines and distant horizons lend space and largeness to his compositions.
   --J. A. Symonds.

4. To let for hire or compensation; as, to lend a horse or gig.

   Note: This use of the word is rare in the United States, except with reference to money.

   To lend a hand, to give assistance; to help. [Colloq.]

   To lend one's ears or To lend an ear, to give attention.