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Webster 1913 Edition


Attention

At-ten′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
attentio
: cf. F.
attention
.]
1.
The act or state of attending or heeding; the application of the mind to any object of sense, representation, or thought; notice; exclusive or special consideration; earnest consideration, thought, or regard; obedient or affectionate heed; the supposed power or faculty of attending.
They say the tongues of dying men
Enforce
attention
like deep harmony.
Shakespeare
☞ Attention is consciousness and something more. It is consciousness voluntarily applied, under its law of limitations, to some determinate object; it is consciousness concentrated.
Sir W. Hamilton.
2.
An act of civility or courtesy; care for the comfort and pleasure of others;
as,
attentions
paid to a stranger
.
To pay attention to
,
To pay one’s attentions to
,
to be courteous or attentive to; to wait upon as a lover; to court.
Syn. – Care; heed; study; consideration; application; advertence; respect; regard.

Webster 1828 Edition


Attention

ATTEN'TION

,
Noun.
1.
The act of attending or heeding; the due application of the ear to sounds, or of the mind to objects presented to its contemplation. [Literally, a stretching towards.
They say the tongues of dying men
Enforce attention like deep harmony.
2.
Act of civility, or courtesy; as attention to a stranger.