In-tĕn'tion, n.
n. [Lat. intentio, Fr. intention, Sp. intencion, It. intenzione. See INTEND.] 1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea, considers it on every side. Locke.
- The fixed direction of the mind to a particular object, or in a particular way of acting; as, an intention to go to New York.
- The object intended; end; aim; design; purpose.
In chronical distempers, the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts. Arbuthnot.
- The state of being strained. See INTENSION.
- (Logic.) Any mental apprehension of an object.
First intention (Logic), a conception of a thing formed by the first or direct application of the mind to the individual object; an idea or image.—Second intention, a conception generalized from the first intuition or apprehension already formed by the mind; an abstract notion; especially, a classified notion.
To heal by the first intention (Surg.), to cicatrize, as a wound, without suppuration.—To heal by the second intention, to unite after suppuration.
Synonyms—Design; purpose; aim; intent; drift. See DESIGN.