\In*tel"li*gence\, n. [F. intelligence, L.
intelligentia, intellegentia. See {Intelligent}.]
1. The act or state of knowing; the exercise of the
   understanding.
2. The capacity to know or understand; readiness of
   comprehension; the intellect, as a gift or an endowment.
         And dimmed with darkness their intelligence.
                                               --Spenser.
3. Information communicated; news; notice; advice.
         Intelligence is given where you are hid. --Shak.
4. Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity. [Obs.]
         He lived rather in a fair intelligence than any
         friendship with the favorites.        --Clarendon.
5. Knowledge imparted or acquired, whether by study,
   research, or experience; general information.
         I write as he that none intelligence Of meters hath,
         ne flowers of sentence.               --Court of
                                               Love.
6. An intelligent being or spirit; -- generally applied to
   pure spirits; as, a created intelligence. --Milton.
         The great Intelligences fair That range above our
         mortal state, In circle round the blessed gate,
         Received and gave him welcome there.  --Tennyson.
{Intelligence office}, an office where information may be
   obtained, particularly respecting servants to be hired.
Syn: Understanding; intellect; instruction; advice; notice;
     notification; news; information; report.