- At pleasure
- Pleasure Pleas"ure, n. [F. plaisir, originally an infinitive.
See {Please}.]
1. The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable
sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or
happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of
something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to
{pain}, {sorrow}, etc.
[1913 Webster]
At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. --Ps. xvi. 11. [1913 Webster]
2. Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; -- opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc. ``Not sunk in carnal pleasure.'' --Milton. [1913 Webster]
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man. --Prov. xxi. 17. [1913 Webster]
Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. --2 Tim. iii. 4. [1913 Webster]
3. What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose. ``He will do his pleasure on Babylon.'' --Isa. xlviii. 14. [1913 Webster]
Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you to come, let not my letter. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. That which pleases; a favor; a gratification. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure --Acts xxv. 9. [1913 Webster]
{At pleasure}, by arbitrary will or choice. --Dryden.
{To take pleasure in}, to have enjoyment in. --Ps. cxlvii. 11. [1913 Webster]
Note: Pleasure is used adjectively, or in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, pleasure boat, pleasure ground; pleasure house, etc. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Enjoyment; gratification; satisfaction; comfort; solace; joy; gladness; delight; will; choice; preference; purpose; command; favor; kindness. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.