from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Inspiration \In`spi*ra"tion\, n. [F. inspiration, L. inspiratio.
See {Inspire}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif.
(Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs,
accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls
and flattening of the diaphragm; -- the opposite of
expiration.
[1913 Webster]
2. The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating
influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of
such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the
inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
[1913 Webster]
Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their
death have good inspirations. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Theol.) A supernatural divine influence on the prophets,
apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified
to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a
supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and
communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
[1913 Webster]
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. --2
Tim. iii. 16.
[1913 Webster]
The age which we now live in is not an age of
inspiration and impulses. --Sharp.
[1913 Webster]
{Plenary inspiration} (Theol.), that kind of inspiration
which excludes all defect in the utterance of the inspired
message.
{Verbal inspiration} (Theol.), that kind of inspiration which
extends to the very words and forms of expression of the
divine message.
[1913 Webster]