n. [ F. affection, L. affectio, fr. afficere. See Affect. ] 1. The act of affecting or acting upon; the state of being affected. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Philosophy) An attribute, especially a contingent or alterable quality or property; a condition; a bodily state; as, figure, weight, etc. , are affections of bodies. “The affections of quantity.” Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ] And, truly, waking dreams were, more or less,
An old and strange affection of the house. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Bent of mind; a feeling or natural impulse or natural impulse acting upon and swaying the mind; any emotion; as, the benevolent affections, esteem, gratitude, etc.; the malevolent affections, hatred, envy, etc.; inclination; disposition; propensity; tendency. [ 1913 Webster ] Affection is applicable to an unpleasant as well as a pleasant state of the mind, when impressed by any object or quality. Cogan. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A settled good will; kind feeling; love; zealous or tender attachment; -- often in the pl. Formerly followed by to, but now more generally by for or towards; as, filial, social, or conjugal affections; to have an affection for or towards children. [ 1913 Webster ] All his affections are set on his own country. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Prejudice; bias. [ Obs. ] Bp. Aylmer. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Med.) Disease; morbid symptom; malady; as, a pulmonary affection. Dunglison. AS [ 1913 Webster ] 7. The lively representation of any emotion. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. Affectation. [ Obs. ] “Spruce affection.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 9. Passion; violent emotion. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Most wretched man,
That to affections does the bridle lend. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Attachment; passion; tenderness; fondness; kindness; love; liking; good will. See Attachment; Disease. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
