The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground.
--Milton.
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Three blustering nights, borne by the southern
blast,
I floated. --Dryden.
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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.
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They stretch their broad plumes and float upon the
wind. --Pope.
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There seems a floating whisper on the hills.
--Byron.
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