\In`clin*na"tion\, n. [L. inclinatio: cf. F.
inclination.]
1. The act of inclining, or state of being inclined; a
   leaning; as, an inclination of the head.
2. A direction or tendency from the true vertical or
   horizontal direction; as, the inclination of a column, or
   of a road bed.
3. A tendency towards another body or point.
4. (Geom.) The angle made by two lines or planes; as, the
   inclination of the plane of the earth's equator to the
   plane of the ecliptic is about 23[deg] 28'; the
   inclination of two rays of light.
5. A leaning or tendency of the mind, feelings, preferences,
   or will; propensity; a disposition more favorable to one
   thing than to another; favor; desire; love.
         A mere inclination to a thing is not properly a
         willing of that thing.                --South.
         How dost thou find the inclination of the people?
                                               --Shak.
6. A person or thing loved or admired. --Sir W. Temple.
7. (Pharm.) Decantation, or tipping for pouring.
{Inclination compass}, an inclinometer.
{Inclination of an orbit} (Astron.), the angle which the
   orbit makes the ecliptic.
{Inclination of the needle}. See {Dip of the needle}, under
   {Dip}.
Syn: Bent; tendency; proneness; bias; proclivity; propensity;
     prepossession; predilection; attachment; desire;
     affection; love. See {Bent}, and cf. {Disposition}.