\E*ter"nal\, a. [F. ['e]ternel, L. aeternalis, fr.
aeternus. See {Etern}.]
1. Without beginning or end of existence; always existing.
         The eternal God is thy refuge.        --Deut.
                                               xxxiii. 27.
         To know wether there were any real being, whose
         duration has been eternal.            --Locke.
2. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting;
   endless; immortal.
         That they may also obtain the salvation which is in
         Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.     --2 Tim. ii.
                                               10.
3. Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless;
   constant.
         And fires eternal in thy temple shine. --Dryden.
4. Existing at all times without change; immutable.
         Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed.
                                               --Dryden.
         What are the eternal objects of poetry among all
         nations, and at all times?            --M. Arnold.
5. Exceedingly great or bad; -- used as a strong intensive.
   ``Some eternal villain.''
{The Eternal City}, an appellation of Rome.
Syn: Everlasting; endless; infinite; ceaseless; perpetual;
     interminable. See {Everlasting}.

\E*ter"nal\, n.
1. One of the appellations of God.
         Law whereby the Eternal himself doth work. --Hooker.
2. That which is endless and immortal. --Young.