inclination of the needle

Inclination \In`cli*na"tion\, n. [L. inclinatio: cf. F.
   inclination.]
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   1. The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a
      leaning; as, an inclination of the head.
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   2. A direction or tendency from the true vertical or
      horizontal direction; as, the inclination of a column, or
      of a road bed.
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   3. A tendency towards another body or point.
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   4. (Geom.) The angle made by two lines or planes; as, the
      inclination of the plane of the earth's equator to the
      plane of the ecliptic is about 23[deg] 28'; the
      inclination of two rays of light.
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   5. A leaning or tendency of the mind, feelings, preferences,
      or will; propensity; a disposition more favorable to one
      thing than to another; favor; desire; love.
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            A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a
            willing of that thing.                --South.
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            How dost thou find the inclination of the people?
                                                  --Shak.
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   6. A person or thing loved or admired. --Sir W. Temple.
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   7. (Pharm.) Decantation, or tipping for pouring.
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   {Inclination compass}, an inclinometer.

   {Inclination of an orbit} (Astron.), the angle which the
      orbit makes with the ecliptic.

   {Inclination of the needle}. See {Dip of the needle}, under
      {Dip}.

   Syn: Bent; tendency; proneness; bias; proclivity; propensity;
        prepossession; predilection; attachment; desire;
        affection; love. See {Bent}, and cf. {Disposition}.
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