Mĕm'o-ry1, n.
n. [Fr. mémoire, Pr., Sp., Pg., It., & Lat. memoria, from Lat. memor, mindful, from meminisse, to remember, be mindful.]
Sense 1. The faculty of the mind by which it retains the knowledge of previous thoughts or events; the actual and distinct retention and recognition of past ideas in the mind; remembrance; as, events that excite little attention are apt to escape from memory. “Memory is the purveyor of reason.” Rambler.
Sense 2. The time within which past events can be remembered, or within which knowledge of what is past, is or may be retained. “What before thy memory was done.” Milton.
Sense 3. Remembrance of a person, or event, preserved to after-times; continued existence in the recollection of posterity; exemption from oblivion; the state of being remembered.
The memory of the just is blessed. Prov. x. 7.
That ever-living man of memory, Henry the Fifth. Shak.
Sense 4. That which calls to remembrance; monumental record; memorial. [Obs.]
Search through all the memories of mankind And find me such a friend. Beau. & Fl.
Sense 5. Reflection; attention. [Obs.] Shak.
Synonyms—MEMORY, REMEMBRANCE, RECOLLECTION, REMINISCENCE. Memory is the generic term, denoting the power by which we reproduce past impressions. Remembrance is an exercise of that power when things occur spontaneously to our thoughts. In recollection we make a distinct effort to collect again, or call back, what we know has been formerly in the mind. Reminiscence is intermediate between remembrance and recollection, being a conscious process of recalling past occurrences, but without that full and varied reference to particular things which characterizes recollection. “When an idea again recurs without the operation of the like object on the external sensory, it is remembrance; if it be sought after by the mind, and with pain and endeavor found, and brought again into view, it is recollection.” Locke.