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Webster 1913 Edition
Inclination
Inˊcli-na′tion
,Noun.
[L.
inclinatio
: cf. F. inclination
.] 1.
The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a leaning;
as, an
. inclination
of the head2.
A direction or tendency from the true vertical or horizontal direction;
as, the
. inclination
of a column, or of a road bed3.
A tendency towards another body or point.
4.
(Geom.)
The angle made by two lines or planes;
as, the
inclination
of the plane of the earth’s equator to the plane of the ecliptic is about 23° 28´; the inclination
of two rays of light.5.
A leaning or tendency of the mind, feelings, preferences, or will; propensity; a disposition more favorable to one thing than to another; favor; desire; love.
A mere
inclination
to a thing is not properly a willing of that thing. South.
How dost thou find the
inclination
of the people? Shakespeare
6.
A person or thing loved or admired.
Sir W. Temple.
7.
(Pharm.)
Decantation, or tipping for pouring.
Syn. – Bent; tendency; proneness; bias; proclivity; propensity; prepossession; predilection; attachment; desire; affection; love. See
Bent
, and cf. Disposition
. Webster 1828 Edition
Inclination
INCLINA'TION
,Noun.
1.
A leaning; any deviation of a body or line from an upright position, or from a parallel line, towards another body; as the inclination of the head in bowing.2.
In geometry, the angle made by two lines or planes that meet; as, the inclination of axis of the earth to the place of the ecliptic is 23 deg.28 feet.3.
A leaning of the mind or will; propension or propensity; a disposition more favorable to one thing than to another. The prince has no inclination to peace. The bachelor has manifested no inclination to marry. Men have a natural inclination to pleasure. A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a willing of that thing.
4.
Love; affection; regard; desire; with for. Some men have an inclination for music, others for painting.5.
Disposition of mind.6.
The dip of the magnetic needle, or its tendency to incline towards the earth; also, the angle made by the needle with the horizon.7.
The act of decanting liquors by stooping or inclining the vessel.