n. [ L. conversio: cf. F. conversion. See Convert. ] 1. The act of turning or changing from one state or condition to another, or the state of being changed; transmutation; change. [ 1913 Webster ] Artificial conversion of water into ice. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] The conversion of the aliment into fat. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The act of changing one's views or course, as in passing from one side, party, or from of religion to another; also, the state of being so changed. “Conversion to Christianity.” Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Law) An appropriation of, and dealing with the property of another as if it were one's own, without right; as, the conversion of a horse. [ 1913 Webster ] Or bring my action of conversion And trover for my goods. Hudibras. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Logic) The act of interchanging the terms of a proposition, as by putting the subject in the place of the predicate, or the contrary. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Math.) A change or reduction of the form or value of a proposition; as, the conversion of equations; the conversion of proportions. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Mil.) (a) A change of front, as a body of troops attacked in the flank. (b) A change of character or use, as of smoothbore guns into rifles. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. (Theol.) A spiritual and moral change attending a change of belief with conviction; a change of heart; a change from the service of the world to the service of God; a change of the ruling disposition of the soul, involving a transformation of the outward life. [ 1913 Webster ] He oft Frequented their assemblies, . . . and to them preached Conversion and repentance, as to souls In prison under judgments imminent. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] |