intention

n. [ F. intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hell is paved with good intentions. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim. [ 1913 Webster ]

In [ chronical distempers ], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The state of being strained. See Intension. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Logic) Any mental apprehension of an object. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]