\Ap"pe*tite\, n. [OE. appetit, F. app['e]tit, fr. L.
appetitus, fr. appetere to strive after, long for; ad +
petere to seek. See {Petition}, and cf. {Appetence}.]
1. The desire for some personal gratification, either of the
   body or of the mind.
         The object of appetite it whatsoever sensible good
         may be wished for; the object of will is that good
         which reason does lead us to seek.    --Hooker.
2. Desire for, or relish of, food or drink; hunger.
         Men must have appetite before they will eat.
                                               --Buckle.
3. Any strong desire; an eagerness or longing.
         It God had given to eagles an appetite to swim.
                                               --Jer. Taylor.
         To gratify the vulgar appetite for the marvelous.
                                               --Macaulay.
4. Tendency; appetency. [Obs.]
         In all bodies there as an appetite of union.
                                               --Bacon.
5. The thing desired. [Obs.]
         Power being the natural appetite of princes.
                                               --Swift.
Note: In old authors, appetite is followed by to or of, but
      regularly it should be followed by for before the
      object; as, an appetite for pleasure.
Syn: Craving; longing; desire; appetency; passion.