from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Contemplation \Con`tem*pla"tion\, n. [F. contemplation, L.
contemplatio.]
1. The act of the mind in considering with attention;
continued attention of the mind to a particular subject;
meditation; musing; study.
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In contemplation of created things,
By steps we may ascend to God. --Milton.
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Contemplation is keeping the idea which is brought
into the mind for some time actually in view.
--Locke.
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2. Holy meditation. [Obs.]
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To live in prayer and contemplation. --Shak.
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3. The act of looking forward to an event as about to happen;
expectation; the act of intending or purposing.
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In contemplation of returning at an early date, he
left. --Reid.
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{To have in contemplation}, to inted or purpose, or to have
under consideration.
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