Eternal \E*ter"nal\, a. [F. ['e]ternel, L. aeternalis, fr.
aeternus. See Etern.]
1. Without beginning or end of existence; always existing.
The eternal God is thy refuge. --Deut.
xxxiii. 27.
To know wether there were any real being, whose
duration has been eternal. --Locke.
2. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting;
endless; immortal.
That they may also obtain the salvation which is in
Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. --2 Tim. ii.
10.
3. Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless;
constant.
And fires eternal in thy temple shine. --Dryden.
4. Existing at all times without change; immutable.
Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed.
--Dryden.
What are the eternal objects of poetry among all
nations, and at all times? --M. Arnold.
5. Exceedingly great or bad; -- used as a strong intensive.
``Some eternal villain.''
The Eternal City, an appellation of Rome.
Syn: Everlasting; endless; infinite; ceaseless; perpetual;
interminable. See Everlasting.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
|