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Webster 1913 Edition

Meaning

Mean′ing

,
Noun.
1.
That which is meant or intended; intent; purpose; aim; object;
as, a mischievous
meaning
was apparent
.
If there be any good
meaning
towards you.
Shakespeare
2.
That which is signified, whether by act lanquage; signification; sense; import;
as, the
meaning
of a hint
.
3.
Sense; power of thinking.
[R.]
–
Mean′ing-less
,
Adj.
–
Mean′ing-ly
,
adv.

Webster 1828 Edition

Meaning

ME'ANING

,
ppr.
Having in mind; intending; signifying.

ME'ANING

,
Noun.
That which exists in the mind, view or contemplation as a settled aim or purpose, though not directly expressed. We say, this or that is not his meaning.
1.
Intention; purpose; aim; with reference to a future act.
I am no honest man, if there by any good meaning towards you.
2.
Signification. What is the meaning of all this parade? The meaning of a hieroglyphic is not always obvious.
3.
The sense of words or expressions; that which is to be understood; signification; that which the writer or speaker intends to express or communicate. Words have a literal meaning, or a metaphorical meaning, and it is not always easy to ascertain the real meaning.
4.
Sense; power of thinking. [Little used.]

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