to grow larger; to dilate or extend the exterior surface or dimensions, by matter added within, or by expansion of the inclosed substance; as, the legs swell in dropsy; a bruised part swells; a bladder swells by inflation.-to increase in size or extent by any addition; to increase in volume or force; as, a river swells, and overflows its banks; sounds swell or diminish.-to rise or be driven into waves or billows; to heave; as, in tempest, the ocean swells into waves.-to be puffed up or bloated; as, to swell with pride.-to be inflated; to belly; as, the sails swell.-to be turgid, bombastic, or extravagant; as, swelling words; a swelling style.-to protuberate; to bulge out; as, a cask swells in the middle.-to be elated; to rise arrogantly.-to grow upon the view; to become larger; to expand.-to become larger in amount; as, many little debts added, swell to a great amount.-to act in a pompous, ostentatious, or arrogant manner; to strut; to look big.-to increase the size, bulk, or dimensions of; to cause to rise, dilate, or increase; as, rains and dissolving snow swell the rivers in spring; immigration swells the population.-to aggravate; to heighten.-to raise to arrogance; to puff up; to inflate; as, to be swelled with pride or haughtiness.-to augment gradually in force or loudness, as the sound of a note.-the act of swelling.-gradual increase.-increase or augmentation in bulk; protuberance.-increase in height; elevation; rise.-increase of force, intensity, or volume of sound.-increase of power in style, or of rhetorical force.-a gradual ascent, or rounded elevation, of land; as, an extensive plain abounding with little swells.-a wave, or billow; especially, a succession of large waves; the roll of the sea after a storm; as, a heavy swell sets into the harbor.-a gradual increase and decrease of the volume of sound; the crescendo and diminuendo combined; -- generally indicated by the sign.-a showy, dashing person; a dandy.-having the characteristics of a person of rank and importance; showy; dandified; distinguished; as, a swell person; a swell neighborhood.