Af-fĕc'tion, n.

(af-fĕk'shun), n. [Fr. affection, Lat. affectio.]

1. The state of being affected. [Obs.] Shak.
2. Violent mental excitement; passion. [Obs.]

Most wretched man That to affections does the bridle lend. Spenser.

3. An attribute, quality, or property, which is inseparable from its subject; as, love, fear, and hope are affections of the mind; figure, weight, &c., are affections of bodies.
4. A state of the mind in which it is bent toward a particular object, differing from disposition, which is natural, and from passion, which is excited by the presence of its object; inclination; propensity.

Affection is applicable to an unpleasant as well as a pleasant state of the mind, when impressed by any object or quality. Cogan. 5. A settled good-will; love; zealous or tender attachment;—formerly followed by to or toward, but now more generally followed by for. “Indissoluble ties of affection.” Macaulay. Conjugal affection Prevailing over fear and timorous doubt. Milton.

6. (Med.) Disease; as, a pulmonary affection; a calculous affection. Dunglison.
7. (Paint.) A lively representation of passion. [Obs. and rare.] Wotton.
8. Affectation. [Obs.] “Mocked in these monstrous affections.” B. Jonson.

Syn.—Attachment; passion; tenderness; fondness; kindness; love; good will. See ATTACHMENT.