a. [ Cf. F. appréhensif. See Apprehend. ] 1. Capable of apprehending, or quick to do so; apt; discerning. [ 1913 Webster ] It may be pardonable to imagine that a friend, a kind and apprehensive . . . friend, is listening to our talk. Hawthorne. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Knowing; conscious; cognizant. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] A man that has spent his younger years in vanity and folly, and is, by the grace of God, apprehensive of it. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Relating to the faculty of apprehension. [ 1913 Webster ] Judgment . . . is implied in every apprehensive act. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Anticipative of something unfavorable' fearful of what may be coming; in dread of possible harm; in expectation of evil. [ 1913 Webster ] Not at all apprehensive of evils as a distance. Tillotson. [ 1913 Webster ] Reformers . . . apprehensive for their lives. Gladstone. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Sensible; feeling; perceptive. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Thoughts, my tormentors, armed with deadly stings, Mangle my apprehensive, tenderest parts. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] |