v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Varied p. pr. & vb. n. Varying. ] [ OE. varien, F. varier, L. variare, fr. varius various. See Various, and cf. Variate. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To change the aspect of; to alter in form, appearance, substance, position, or the like; to make different by a partial change; to modify; as, to vary the properties, proportions, or nature of a thing; to vary a posture or an attitude; to vary one's dress or opinions. [ 1913 Webster ]

Shall we vary our device at will,
Even as new occasion appears? Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to alternate. [ 1913 Webster ]

Gods, that never change their state,
Vary oft their love and hate. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]

We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversify; to variegate. [ 1913 Webster ]

God hath varied their inclinations. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

God hath here
Varied his bounty so with new delights. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See Variation, 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To alter, or be altered, in any manner; to suffer a partial change; to become different; to be modified; as, colors vary in different lights. [ 1913 Webster ]

That each from other differs, first confess;
Next, that he varies from himself no less. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as, the laws of France vary from those of England. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as, one mathematical quantity varies inversely as another. [ 1913 Webster ]

While fear and anger, with alternate grace,
Pant in her breast, and vary in her face. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To deviate; to depart; to swerve; -- followed by from; as, to vary from the law, or from reason. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The rich jewel which we vary for. Webster (1623). [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Alteration; change. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. & n. from Vary. [ 1913 Webster ]

Varying hare (Zool.), any hare or rabbit which becomes white in winter, especially the common hare of the Northern United States and Canada. [ 1913 Webster ]