In*ten"tion (?), n. [F.
intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf.
Intension.]
1. A stretching or bending 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.