Ĕx/pec-tā'tion1, n.
n. [Lat. expectatio, exspectatio, O. Fr. expectation, Pr. expectacio, Sp. expectacion, It. aspettazione, aspettazione.]
Sense 1. The act or state of expecting or looking forward to an event as about to happen. “In expectation of a guest.” Tennyson.
My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him. Ps. lxii. 5.
Sense 2. The state of being expected, awaited, or looked for.
Our preparation stands in expectation. Shak.
Sense 3. That which is expected; an object waited or looked for.
Why our great expectation should be called The seed of woman. Milton.
Sense 4. The ground of expecting or looking for; reason or warrant for anticipating future benefits to be enjoyed, or future excellence; promise.
His magnificent expectations made him, in the opinion of the world, the best match in Europe. Prescott.
By all men's eyes a youth of expectation. Otway.
Sense 5. The value of any prospect of prize or property depending upon the happening of some uncertain event. Expectations are computed for or against the occurrence of the event.
Sense 6. (Med.) The leaving of a disease to the efforts of nature to effect a cure.
Expectation of life, the mean or average duration of the life of individuals after any specified age.
Synonyms—Anticipation; confidence; trust.