Influence \In"flu*ence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Influenced; p. pr. & vb. n. Influencing.]

To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to move; to persuade; to induce.

Theseexperiments succeed after the same manner in vacuo as in the open air,and therefore are not influenced by the weight or pressure of the atmosphere. --Sir I. Newton.

This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to influence their faith and practice, if they attend. --Attebury.

The principle which influenced their obedience has lost its efficacy. --Rogers.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Influence \In"flu*ence\, n. [F. influence, fr. L. influens, -entis, p. pr. See Influent, and cf. Influenza.]

1. A flowing in or upon; influx. [Obs.]

God hath his influence into the very essence of all things. --Hooker.

2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, phusical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers,of the stars over affairs.

Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars,evil aspects. --Bacon.

Cantsthou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion ? --Job xxxviii. 31.

She said : ?Ah,dearest lord ! what evil star On you hath frown'd,and poured, his influence bad ?'' --Spenser.

3. Power or authority arising from elevated station, excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community.

Such influence hath your excellency. --Sir P. Sidney.

4. (Elec.) Induction.

Syn: Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power; authority; supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character; reputation; prestige.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)