2. An attribute; a quality or property; a condition; a bodily
state; as, figure, weight, etc., are affections of bodies.
``The affections of quantity.'' --Boyle.
And, truly, waking dreams were, more or less, An old
and strange affection of the house. --Tennyson.
3. Bent of mind; a feeling or natural impulse or natural
impulse acting upon and swaying the mind; any emotion; as,
the benevolent affections, esteem, gratitude, etc.; the
malevolent affections, hatred, envy, etc.; inclination;
disposition; propensity; tendency.
Affection is applicable to an unpleasant as well as
a pleasant state of the mind, when impressed by any
object or quality. --Cogan.
4. A settled good will; kind feeling; love; zealous or tender
attachment; -- often in the pl. Formerly followed by to,
but now more generally by for or towards; as, filial,
social, or conjugal affections; to have an affection for
or towards children.
All his affections are set on his own country.
--Macaulay.
5. Prejudice; bias. [Obs.] --Bp. Aylmer.
6. (Med.) Disease; morbid symptom; malady; as, a pulmonary
affection. --Dunglison.
7. The lively representation of any emotion. --Wotton.
8. Affectation. [Obs.] ``Spruce affection.'' --Shak.
9. Passion; violent emotion. [Obs.]
Most wretched man, That to affections does the
bridle lend. --Spenser.
Syn: Attachment; passion; tenderness; fondness; kindness;
love; good will. See {Attachment}; {Disease}.