Mean \Mean\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Meant; p. pr. & vb. n. Meaning.]

[OE. menen, AS. m[=ae]nan to recite, tell, intend, wish; akin to OS. m[=e]nian to have in mind, mean, D. meenen, G. meinen, OHG. meinan, Icel. meina, Sw. mena, Dan. mene, and to E. mind. ?. See Mind, and cf. Moan.]

1. To have in the mind, as a purpose, intention, etc.; to intend; to purpose; to design; as, what do you mean to do ?

What mean ye by this service ? --Ex. xii. 26.

Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto

1. 20.

I am not a Spaniard To say that it is yours and not to mean it. --Longfellow.

2. To signify; to indicate; to import; to denote.

What mean these seven ewe lambs ? --Gen. xxi. 29.

Go ye, and learn what that me?neth. --Matt. ix. 13.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Meaning \Mean"ing\, n.

1. That which is meant or intended; intent; purpose; aim; object; as, a mischievous meaning was apparent.

If there be any good meaning towards you. --Shak.

2. That which is signified, whether by act lanquage; signification; sence; import; as, the meaning of a hint.

3. Sense; power of thinking. [R.]

-- Mean"ing*less, a. -- Mean"ing*ly, adv.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)