From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Influence \In"flu*ence\ ([i^]n"fl[-u]*ens), n. [F. influence,
fr. L. influens, -entis, p. pr. See {Influent}, and cf.
{Influenza}.]
1. A flowing in or upon; influx. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
God hath his influence into the very essence of all
things. --Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect,
physical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power
quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind
which affects, modifies, or sways; as, the influence which
the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence
of education on the mind; the influence, according to
astrologers, of the stars over affairs.
[1913 Webster]
Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars,
evil aspects. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or
loose the bands of Orion? --Job xxxviii.
31.
[1913 Webster]
She said : "Ah, dearest lord! what evil star
On you hath frown'd, and poured, his influence bad?"
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
3. Power or authority arising from elevated station,
excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.;
reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of
influence in the community.
[1913 Webster]
Such influence hath your excellency. --Sir P.
Sidney.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Elec.) Induction.
Syn: Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power; authority;
supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character;
reputation; prestige.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Influence \In"flu*ence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Influenced}
([i^]n"fl[-u]*enst); p. pr. & vb. n. {Influencing}
([i^]n"fl[-u]*en*s[i^]ng).]
To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by
gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias,
or sway; to affect; to move; to persuade; to induce.
[1913 Webster]
These experiments succeed after the same manner in
vacuo as in the open air, and therefore are not
influenced by the weight or pressure of the atmosphere.
--Sir I.
Newton.
[1913 Webster]
This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to
influence their faith and practice, if they attend.
--Attebury.
[1913 Webster]
The principle which influenced their obedience has lost
its efficacy. --Rogers.
[1913 Webster]
From French-English FreeDict Dictionary ver. 0.3.4 [fd-fra-eng]:
influence /ɛ̃flyɑ̃s/
action; influence
|