- Inspiration
- Inspiration In`spi*ra"tion, n. [F. inspiration, L. inspiratio.
See {Inspire}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif.
(Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs,
accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls
and flattening of the diaphragm; -- the opposite of
expiration.
[1913 Webster]
2. The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc. [1913 Webster]
Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. (Theol.) A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated. [1913 Webster]
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. --2 Tim. iii. 16. [1913 Webster]
The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses. --Sharp. [1913 Webster]
{Plenary inspiration} (Theol.), that kind of inspiration which excludes all defect in the utterance of the inspired message.
{Verbal inspiration} (Theol.), that kind of inspiration which extends to the very words and forms of expression of the divine message. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
