\Des`ig*na"tion\, n. [L. designatio: cf. F.
d['e]signation.]
1. The act of designating; a pointing out or showing;
   indication.
2. Selection and appointment for a purpose; allotment;
   direction.
3. That which designates; a distinguishing mark or name;
   distinctive title; appellation.
         The usual designation of the days of the week.
                                               --Whewell.
4. Use or application; import; intention; signification, as
   of a word or phrase.
         Finite and infinite seem . . . to be attributed
         primarily, in their first designation, only to those
         things have parts.                    --Locke.