hent I. \ˈhent\transitive verb (hent ; hent ; henting ; hents) Etymology: Middle English henten, from Old English hentan — more at hunt 1.dialect a.: to lay hold on : seize, catch b.: to take away : carry off 2.obsolete: to arrive at : reach < have hent the gates — Shakespeare > II. noun (-s) Etymology: obsolete English hent art of seizing, from hent (I) obsolete: conception of an idea or plan : intent < up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent — Shakespeare >