(n) the readiness to perceive sensations; elementary or undifferentiated consciousness; - Richard Eberhart, Ant. insentience, Example:gave sentience to slugs and newts
(n) the faculty through which the external world is apprehended, Syn. sentience, sensory faculty, sensation, sentiency, Example:in the dark he had to depend on touch and on his senses of smell and hearing
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
{ } n. [ See Sentient, Sentence. ] The quality or state of being sentient; esp., the quality or state of having sensation. G. H. Lewes. [ 1913 Webster ]
An example of harmonious action between the intelligence and the sentiency of the mind. Earle. [ 1913 Webster ]