O*pin"ion , v. t. To opine. [Obs.]
O*pin"ion (?), 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.
Opinion is when the assent of the
understanding is so far gained by
evidence of probability, that it rather inclines to one persussion than to another, yet not without a
mixture of incertainty or doubting.
Sir
M. Hale. I can not put off my opinion so easily.
Shak.
2. The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
I have bought
golden opinions from
all sorts of people.
Shak.
Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the
good opinion of his friend.
South. However, I have no opinion of those things.
Bacon. 3. Favorable estimation;
hence, consideration;
reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem. [Obs.]
Thou hast
redeemed thy lost opinion.
Shak.
This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had made such early progress into laborious . . .
enterprises.
Milton. 4. Obstinacy in holding to one's belief
or impression;
opiniativeness; conceitedness. [Obs.]
Shak.
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.
To be of
opinion, to think; to judge. - - To hold opinion with, to agree with. [Obs.]
Shak.
Syn. -- Sentiment; notion; persuasion; idea; view; estimation. See Sentiment.
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