Intention \In*ten"tion\, n. [F. intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension.]

1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.

Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea. --Locke.

2. A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to New York.

Hell is paved with good intentions. --Johnson.

3. The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.

In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts. --Arbuthnot.

4. The state of being strained. See Intension. [Obs.]

5. (Logic) Any mental apprehension of an object.

First intention (Logic), a conception of a thing formed by the first or direct application of the mind to the individual object; an idea or image; as, man, stone.

Second intention (Logic), a conception generalized from first intuition or apprehension already formed by the mind; an abstract notion; especially, a classified notion, as species, genus, whiteness.

To heal by the first intention (Surg.), to cicatrize, as a wound, without suppuration.

To heal by the second intention (Surg.), to unite after suppuration.

Syn: Design; purpose; object; aim; intent; drift; purport; meaning. See Design.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)