Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Intention \In*ten"tion\, n. [F. intention, L. intentio. See
{Intend}, and cf. {Intension}.]
1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward 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}.
Source : WordNet®
intention
n 1: an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your
planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new
translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was
created with the conscious aim of answering immediate
needs"; "he made no secret of his designs" [syn: {purpose},
{intent}, {aim}, {design}]
2: (usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage
proposal; "his intentions are entirely honorable"
3: an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry
out; "my intention changed once I saw her"