INSTINCTS
Noun
instincts
plural of instinct
Source: Wiktionary
INSTINCT
In*stinct", a. Etym: [L. instinctus, p. p. of instinguere to
instigate, incite; cf. instigare to instigate. Cf. Instigate,
Distinguish.]
Definition: Urged or sas, birds instinct with life.
The chariot of paternal deity . . . Itself instinct with spirit, but
convoyed By four cherubic shapes. Milton.
A noble performance, instinct with sound principle. Brougham.
In"stinct, n. Etym: [L. instinctus instigation, impulse, fr.
instinguere to instigate: cf. F. instinct. See Instinct, a.]
1. Natural inward impulse; unconscious, involuntary, or unreasoning
prompting to any mode of action, whether bodily, or mental, without a
distinct apprehension of the end or object to be accomplished.
An instinct is a propensity prior to experience, and independent of
instructions. Paley.
An instinct is a blind tendency to some mode of action, independent
of any consideration, on the part of the agent, of the end to which
the action leads. Whately.
An instinct is an agent which performs blindly and ignorantly a work
of intelligence and knowledge. Sir W. Hamilton.
By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrust Ensuing dangers. Shak.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by which an animal
is guided to the performance of any action, without of improvement in
the method.
The resemblance between what originally was a habit, and an instinct
becomes so close as not to be distinguished. Darwin.
3. A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an instinct for
order; to be modest by instinct.
In*stinct", v. t.
Definition: To impress, as an animating power, or instinct. [Obs.] Bentley.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition