\Gen"ius\, n.; pl. E. {Geniuses}; in sense 1, L. {Genii}.
[L. genius, prop., the superior or divine nature which is
innate in everything, the spirit, the tutelar deity or genius
of a person or place, taste, talent, genius, from genere,
gignere, to beget, bring forth. See {Gender}, and cf.
{Engine}.]
1. A good or evil spirit, or demon, supposed by the ancients
   to preside over a man's destiny in life; a tutelary deity;
   a supernatural being; a spirit, good or bad. Cf. {Jinnee}.
         The unseen genius of the wood.        --Milton.
         We talk of genius still, but with thought how
         changed! The genius of Augustus was a tutelary
         demon, to be sworn by and to receive offerings on an
         altar as a deity.                     --Tylor.
2. The peculiar structure of mind with whoch each individual
   is endowed by nature; that disposition or aptitude of mind
   which is peculiar to each man, and which qualifies him for
   certain kinds of action or special success in any pursuit;
   special taste, inclination, or disposition; as, a genius
   for history, for poetry, or painting.
3. Peculiar character; animating spirit, as of a nation, a
   religion, a language.
4. Distinguished mental superiority; uncommon intellectual
   power; especially, superior power of invention or
   origination of any kind, or of forming new combinations;
   as, a man of genius.
         Genius of the highest kind implies an unusual
         intensity of the modifyng power.      --Coleridge.
5. A man endowed with uncommon vigor of mind; a man of
   superior intellectual faculties; as, Shakespeare was a
   rare genius.
Syn: {Genius}, {Talent}.
Usage: Genius implies high and peculiar gifts of nature,
       impelling the mind to certain favorite kinds of mental
       effort, and producing new combinations of ideas,
       imagery, etc. Talent supposes general strength of
       intellect, with a peculiar aptitude for being molded
       and directed to specific employments and valuable ends
       and purposes. Genius is connected more or less with
       the exercise of imagination, and reaches its ends by a
       kind of intuitive power. Talent depends more on high
       mental training, and a perfect command of all the
       faculties, memory, judgment, sagacity, etc. Hence we
       speak of a genius for poetry, painting. etc., and a
       talent for business or diplomacy. Among English
       orators, Lord Chatham was distinguished for his
       genius; William Pitt for his pre["e]minent talents,
       and especially his unrivaled talent for debate.
{Genius loci}[L.], the genius or presiding divinity of a
   place; hence, the pervading spirit of a place or
   institution, as of a college, etc.