What is "to tend a vessel"

Tend \Tend\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tended; p. pr. & vb. n. Tending.] [Aphetic form of attend. See Attend, Tend to move, and cf. Tender one that tends or attends.]

1. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds tend their flocks.
   --Shak.

   And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge.
   --Milton.

   There 's not a sparrow or a wren, There 's not a blade of autumn grain, Which the four seasons do not tend And tides of life and increase lend.
   --Emerson.

2. To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.

   Being to descend A ladder much in height, I did not tend My way well down.
   --Chapman.

   To tend a vessel (Naut.), to manage an anchored vessel when the tide turns, so that in swinging she shall not entangle the cable.