Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Comprehension
Comˊpre-hen′sion
,Noun.
[L.
comprehensio
: cf. F. compréhension
.] 1.
The act of comprehending, containing, or comprising; inclusion.
In the Old Testament there is a close
comprehension
of the New; in the New, an open discovery of the Old. Hooker.
2.
That which is comprehended or inclosed within narrow limits; a summary; an epitome.
[Obs.]
Though not a catalogue of fundamentals, yet . . . a
comprehension
of them. Chillingworth.
3.
The capacity of the mind to perceive and understand; the power, act, or process of grasping with the intellect; perception; understanding;
as, a
. comprehension
of abstract principles4.
(Logic)
The complement of attributes which make up the notion signified by a general term.
5.
(Rhet.)
A figure by which the name of a whole is put for a part, or that of a part for a whole, or a definite number for an indefinite.
Webster 1828 Edition
Comprehension
COMPREHENSION
, n.1.
The act or quality of comprehending, or containing; a comprising.In the Old Testament there is a close comprehension of the New; in the New, an open discovery of the Old.
2.
An including or containing within a narrow compass; a summary; an epitome or compend.This wise and religious aphorism in the text, is the sum and comprehension of all the ingredients of human happiness.
3.
Capacity of the mind to understand; power of the understanding to receive and contain ideas; capacity of knowing.The nature of spirit is not within our comprehension.
4.
In rhetoric, a grope or figure, by which the name of a whole is put for a part, or that of a part for a whole, or a definite number for an indefinite.