The Collaborative International Dictionary
Veer \Veer\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Veered; p. pr. & vb. n.
Veering.] [F. virer (cf. Sp. virar, birar), LL. virare;
perhaps fr. L. vibrare to brandish, vibrate (cf. Vibrate);
or cf. L. viriae armlets, bracelets, viriola a little
bracelet (cf. Ferrule). Cf. Environ.]
To change direction; to turn; to shift; as, wind veers to the
west or north. ``His veering gait.''
--Wordsworth.
And as he leads, the following navy veers.
--Dryden.
an ordinary community which is hostile or friendly as
passion or as interest may veer about.
--Burke.
To veer and haul (Naut.), to vary the course or direction; -- said of the wind, which veers aft and hauls forward. The wind is also said to veer when it shifts with the sun.
Veer \Veer\, v. t. To direct to a different course; to turn; to wear; as, to veer, or wear, a vessel.
To veer and haul (Naut.), to pull tight and slacken
alternately.
--Totten.
To veer away or To veer out (Naut.), to let out; to slacken and let run; to pay out; as, to veer away the cable; to veer out a rope.