In"flu*ence (ĭn"fl?*ens),
n. [F. influence, fr. L. influens,
-entis, p. pr. See Influent, and cf. Influenza.]
1. A flowing in or upon; influx.
[Obs.]
God hath his influence into the very essence of
all things.
Hooker.
2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of
an effect, physical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power
quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which
affects, modifies, or sways; as, the influence which the sun
exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of
education on the mind; the influence, according to
astrologers, of the stars over affairs.
Astrologers call the evil influences of the
stars, evil aspects.
Bacon.
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of
Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
Job xxxviii.
31.
She said : "Ah, dearest lord! what evil star
On you hath frown'd, and poured, his influence
bad?"
Spenser.
3. Power or authority arising from elevated
station, excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.;
reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of
influence in the community.
Such influence hath your
excellency.
Sir P. Sidney.
4. (Elec.) Induction.
Syn. -- Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power;
authority; supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character;
reputation; prestige.
In"flu*ence, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Influenced (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Influencing (?).] To control or move by power, physical
or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to
modify, bias, or sway; to move; to persuade; to induce.
These experiments succeed after the same manner in
vacuo as in the open air, and therefore are not influenced by
the weight or pressure of the atmosphere.
Sir I.
Newton.
This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to
influence their faith and practice, if they
attend.
Attebury.
The principle which influenced their obedience
has lost its efficacy.
Rogers.