From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: Float \Float\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Floated; p. pr. & vb. n. Floating.] [OE. flotien, flotten, AS. flotian to float, swim, fr. fle['o]tan. See Float, n.] 1. To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up. [1913 Webster] The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground. --Milton. [1913 Webster] Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast, I floated. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] 2. To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air. [1913 Webster] They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the wind. --Pope. [1913 Webster] There seems a floating whisper on the hills. --Byron. [1913 Webster]