from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Animosity \An`i*mos"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Animosities}. [F.
animosit['e], fr. L. animositas. See {Animose}, {Animate}, v.
t.]
1. Mere spiritedness or courage. [Obs.] --Skelton.
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Such as give some proof of animosity, audacity, and
execution, those she [the crocodile] loveth.
--Holland.
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2. Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active
enmity; energetic dislike. --Macaulay.
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Syn: Enmity; hatred; opposition. -- {Animosity}, {Enmity}.
Enmity be dormant or concealed; animosity is active
enmity, inflamed by collision and mutual injury between
opposing parties. The animosities which were continually
springing up among the clans in Scotland kept that
kingdom in a state of turmoil and bloodshed for
successive ages. The animosities which have been
engendered among Christian sects have always been the
reproach of the church.
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Such [writings] as naturally conduce to inflame
hatreds and make enmities irreconcilable.
--Spectator.
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[These] factions . . . never suspended their
animosities till they ruined that unhappy
government. --Hume.
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