In*tent" , n. [OE.
entent, entente, attention, purpose, OF. entente, F. entente understanding, meaning; a participial noun, fr. F. & OF. entendre. See Intend.]
The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim.
Be thy intents wicked or charitable.
Shak. The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver
the laws of duties supernatural.
Hooker. >To all intents and purposes, in all applications or senses; practically; really; virtually; essentially. "He was miserable to all intents and purpose." L'Estrange.
Syn. -- Design; purpose; intention; meaning; purport; view; drift; object; end; aim; plan.
In*tent" (?), a. [L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See Intend, and cf. Intense.]
1. Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the mind,
thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.
2.
Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object;
sedulous; eager in pursuit of
an object; -- formerly with to, but now
with on; as, intent on business or pleasure. "Intent on mischief." Milton.
Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker.
I.
Watts.
Hear it pronounced