\Af*fec"tion\, n. [F. affection, L. affectio, fr.
afficere. See {Affect}.]
1. The act of affecting or acting upon; the state of being
   affected.
2. An attribute; a quality or property; a condition; a bodily
   state; as, figure, weight, etc., are affections of bodies.
   ``The affections of quantity.'' --Boyle.
         And, truly, waking dreams were, more or less, An old
         and strange affection of the house.   --Tennyson.
3. Bent of mind; a feeling or natural impulse or natural
   impulse acting upon and swaying the mind; any emotion; as,
   the benevolent affections, esteem, gratitude, etc.; the
   malevolent affections, hatred, envy, etc.; inclination;
   disposition; propensity; tendency.
         Affection is applicable to an unpleasant as well as
         a pleasant state of the mind, when impressed by any
         object or quality.                    --Cogan.
4. A settled good will; kind feeling; love; zealous or tender
   attachment; -- often in the pl. Formerly followed by to,
   but now more generally by for or towards; as, filial,
   social, or conjugal affections; to have an affection for
   or towards children.
         All his affections are set on his own country.
                                               --Macaulay.
5. Prejudice; bias. [Obs.] --Bp. Aylmer.
6. (Med.) Disease; morbid symptom; malady; as, a pulmonary
   affection. --Dunglison.
7. The lively representation of any emotion. --Wotton.
8. Affectation. [Obs.] ``Spruce affection.'' --Shak.
9. Passion; violent emotion. [Obs.]
         Most wretched man, That to affections does the
         bridle lend.                          --Spenser.
Syn: Attachment; passion; tenderness; fondness; kindness;
     love; good will. See {Attachment}; {Disease}.