n. [ F., from L. opinio. See Opine. ] 1. That which is opined; a notion or conviction founded on probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard to any point of knowledge or action. [ 1913 Webster ] Opinion is when the assent of the understanding is so far gained by evidence of probability, that it rather inclines to one persuasion than to another, yet not without a mixture of incertainty or doubting. Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ] I can not put off my opinion so easily. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation. [ 1913 Webster ] I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend. South. [ 1913 Webster ] However, I have no opinion of those things. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had made such early progress into laborious . . . enterprises. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Law.) The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted. [ 1913 Webster ]
To be of opinion, to think; to judge. --
To hold opinion with, to agree with. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Sentiment; notion; persuasion; idea; view; estimation. See Sentiment. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
