a. [ F. éternel, L. aeternalis, fr. aeternus. See Etern. ] 1. Without beginning or end of existence; always existing. [ 1913 Webster ]

The eternal God is thy refuge. Deut. xxxiii. 27. [ 1913 Webster ]

To know wether there were any real being, whose duration has been eternal. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal. [ 1913 Webster ]

That they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Tim. ii. 10. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless; constant. [ 1913 Webster ]

And fires eternal in thy temple shine. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Existing at all times without change; immutable. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

What are the eternal objects of poetry among all nations, and at all times? M. Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Exceedingly great or bad; -- used as a strong intensive. “Some eternal villain.” [ 1913 Webster ]

The Eternal City, an appellation of Rome.

Syn. -- Everlasting; endless; infinite; ceaseless; perpetual; interminable. See Everlasting. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One of the appellations of God. [ 1913 Webster ]

Law whereby the Eternal himself doth work. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is endless and immortal. Young. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who holds the existence of matter to be from eternity. T. Burnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To make eternal. Shelton. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an eternal manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

That which is morally good or evil at any time or in any case, must be also eternally and unchangeably so. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

Where western gales eternally reside. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]