n.1 (often foll. by to + infin., or of + verbal noun) a thing intended; an aim or purpose (it was not his intention to interfere; have no intention of staying).
2 the act of intending (done without intention).
3 colloq. (usu. in pl.) a person's, esp. a man's, designs in respect to marriage (are his intentions strictly honourable?).
4 Logic a conception.
Phrases and idioms:
first intention Med. the healing of a wound by natural contact of the parts. first intentions Logic one's primary conceptions of things (e.g. a tree, an oak). intention tremor Med. a trembling of a part of a body when commencing a movement. second intention Med. the healing of a wound by granulation. second intentions Logic one's secondary conceptions (e.g. difference, identity, species). special (or particular) intention RC Ch. a special aim or purpose for which a mass is celebrated, prayers are said, etc.
Derivatives:
intentioned adj. (usu. in comb.).
Etymology: ME entencion f. OF f. L intentio stretching, purpose (as INTEND)