consciousness

n. 1. The state of being conscious; knowledge of one's own existence, condition, sensations, mental operations, acts, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Consciousness is thus, on the one hand, the recognition by the mind or “ego” of its acts and affections; -- in other words, the self-affirmation that certain modifications are known by me, and that these modifications are mine. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Immediate knowledge or perception of the presence of any object, state, or sensation. See the Note under Attention. [ 1913 Webster ]

Annihilate the consciousness of the object, you annihilate the consciousness of the operation. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

And, when the steam
Which overflowed the soul had passed away,
A consciousness remained that it had left.
. . . images and precious thoughts
That shall not die, and can not be destroyed. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

The consciousness of wrong brought with it the consciousness of weakness. Froude. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Feeling, persuasion, or expectation; esp., inward sense of guilt or innocence. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

An honest mind is not in the power of a dishonest: to break its peace there must be some guilt or consciousness. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]