Ăp'pe-tīte, n.
n. [Fr. appétit, Pr. appetit, Lat. appetitus, from appetere. See APPETENCE.] 1. The desire of some personal gratification, either of the body or of the mind.
The object of appetite is whatever sensible good may be wished for. Hooker.
Sense 2. Specifically, a desire of food or drink.
Sense 3. Any strong desire; eagerness or longing.
If God had given to eagles an appetite to swim. Bp. Taylor.
Sense 4. The thing desired. “Power being the natural appetite of princes.” Swift.
☞ In old authors, appetite is followed by to or of, but regularly it should be followed by for before the object; as, an appetite for pleasure.
Synonyms—Craving; longing; desire; appetency; passion.
— APPETITE, PASSION. Appetites are passions directed to general objects, as the appetite for fame, glory, or riches; in distinction from passions directed to some particular objects, which retain their proper name, as the passion of love, envy, or gratitude. Passion does not exist without an object; natural appetites exist first, and are then directed to objects.