In*ten"tion (?), n. [F. intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension.]
1.
A stretching or bending of the mind toward of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea.
Locke.
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.
Hell is paved with good intentions.
Johnson.
3.
The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts.
Arbuthnot.
4.
The state of being strained. See Intension.
[Obs.]
5. Logic
Any mental apprehension of an object.
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.
© Webster 1913.