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 ]

a. 1. Pertaining to inspiration. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Imparting inspiration{ 2 }; as, an inspirational sermon. [ PJC ]

n. One who holds to inspiration. [ 1913 Webster ]