Ĭn'flu-ençe1, n.
[Fr. influence, Pr. influencia, enfluensa, Sp. & Pg. influencia, It. influenzia, influenza, Lat. as if influentia, from influens. See INFLUENT.]
Sense 1. A flowing in or upon; influx;—followed by on, upon, or with, and formerly sometimes by into.
God hath his influence into the very essence of all things. Hooker.
Sense 2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, physical or moral, by a gradual, unobserved, and easy process; controlling power quietly or efficaciously exerted; ability to move or effect; tendency to produce a change or effect; agency, force, or tendency of any kind, whether physical, on matter; or rational, on the intellect; emotional, on the feelings; hyperphysical, as of the stars; or supernatural, as of God or the Divine Spirit.
Sense 3. Power or authority arising from elevated station, excellence of character or intellect, wealth, and the like; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community.