In*ten"tion (?), n. [F. intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension.]
1.
A stretching or bending of
the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea.
Locke.
2. A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an
intention to go to New
York.
Hell is paved with good intentions.
Johnson.
3. The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts.
Arbuthnot. 4. The
state of being strained. See Intension.
[Obs.]
5. (Logic)
Any mental apprehension of an object.
First intention (Logic), a conception of a thing formed by the
first or direct application of the mind to the individual object; an idea or image; as, man, stone. --
Second intention
(Logic), a conception generalized from first intuition or apprehension already formed by the mind; an abstract notion; especially, a classified notion, as species, genus, whiteness. -- To heal by the first intention
(Surg.), to cicatrize, as a wound, without suppuration. -- To heal by the second intention
(Surg.), to unite after suppuration.
Syn. -- Design; purpose; object; aim; intent; drift; purport; meaning. See Design.
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