Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Vary

Vary , transitive verb

[Old English varien, French varier, Latin variare, from varius various. See Various, and compare Variate.]

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.
Shall we vary our device at will, Even as new occasion appears? — Spenser
2.
To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to alternate.
Gods, that never change their state, Vary oft their love and hate. — Waller
We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies. — Dryden
3.
To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversify; to variegate.
God hath varied their inclinations. — Sir T. Browne
God hath here Varied his bounty so with new delights. — Milton
4.
(Music) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See Variation, 4.

Vary , intransitive verb

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.
That each from other differs, first confess; Next, that he varies from himself no less. — Pope
2.
To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as, the laws of France vary from those of England.
3.
To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as, one mathematical quantity varies inversely as another.
While fear and anger, with alternate grace, Pant in her breast, and vary in her face. — Addison
4.
To deviate; to depart; to swerve; -- followed by from; as, to vary from the law, or from reason. — Locke
5.
To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion.
The rich jewel which we vary for. — Webster (1623)

Vary , noun

Alteration; change. [Obsolete] — Shakespeare