Search the Dictionary

resist attack; unconquerable; as, an impregnable fortress; impregnable virtue. The man's affection remains wholly unconcerned and impregnable. South. -- Im*preg"na*ble*ness, n. -- Im*preg"na*bly, adv.

To impart a tendency or propensity to, as to the will or affections; to turn; to dispose; to influence. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies. Ps. cxix. 36. Incline our hearts to keep this law. Book of Com. Prayer.

ndifferent manner; without distinction or preference; impartially; without concern, wish, affection, or aversion; tolerably; passably. That they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue. Book of Com. Prayer [Eng. Ed.…

An epidemic affection characterized by acute nasal catarrh, or by inflammation of the throat or the bronchi, and usually accompanied by fever.

The act of gaining favor, affection, or influence, by gentle or artful means; -- formerly used in a good sense, as of friendly influence or interposition. Sir H. Wotton. I hope through the insinuation of Lord Scarborough to keep them here till further orders. Lady Cowper.

Stealing on or into the confidence or affections; having power to gain favor. "Crafty, insinuative, plausible men." Bp. Reynolds.

To set a soul in; reflexively, to fix one's strongest affections on. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor. [He] could not but insoul himself in her. Feltham.

Mutual action or influence; interaction; as, the interplay of affection.

Ischial. [R.] Ischiadic passion or disease (Med.), a rheumatic or neuralgic affection of some part about the hip joint; -- called also sciatica.

Disposed to suspect rivalry in matters of interest and affection; apprehensive regarding the motives of possible rivals, or the fidelity of friends; distrustful; having morbid fear of rivalry in love or preference given to another; painfully suspicious of the faithfulness of husband, wife, or lover. If the spirit of je…

An object regarded with special affection; a precious thing. "Our prince (jewel of children)." Shak.

mpathetic; hence, disposed to do good to; benevolent; gracious; kind; helpful; as, kindly affections, words, acts, etc. The shade by which my life was crossed, . . . Has made me kindly with my kind. Tennyson.

To salute with the lips, as a mark of affection, reverence, submission, forgiveness, etc. He . . . kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack, That at the parting all the church echoed. Shak.

Gay; airy; cheering; exhilarating. That lightsome affection of joy. Hooker. -- Light"some*ly, adv. -- Light"some*ness, n. Happiness may walk soberly in dark attire, as well as dance lightsomely in a gala dress. Hawthorne.

cular county, where the cause arises; -- distinguished from transitory actions. -- Local affection (Med.), a disease or ailment confined to a particular part or organ, and not directly affecting the system. -- Local attraction (Magnetism), an attraction near a compass, causing its needle to deviate from its proper di…

The state or quality of being local; affection for a particular place.

A chronic nervous affection of cattle, horses, and sheep, caused by eating the loco weed and characterized by a slow, measured gait, high step, glassy eyes with defective vision, delirium, and gradual emaciation.

y that which delights or commands admiration; preëminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters. Of all the dearest bonds we prove Thou countest sons' and mothers' love Most sacred, most Thine own. Keble.

Affection. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Affectionate. The fairest and most loving wife in Greece. Tennyson.