\O*pin"ion\, n. [F., from L. opinio. See {Opine}.]
1. That which is opined; a notion or conviction founded on
   probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less
   strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard
   to any point of knowledge or action.
         Opinion is when the assent of the understanding is
         so far gained by evidence of probability, that it
         rather inclines to one persussion than to another,
         yet not without a mixture of incertainty or
         doubting.                             --Sir M. Hale.
         I can not put off my opinion so easily. --Shak.
2. The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons
   or things; estimation.
         I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of
         people.                               --Shak.
         Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and
         claim to the good opinion of his friend. --South.
         However, I have no opinion of those things. --Bacon.
3. Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation;
   fame; public sentiment or esteem. [Obs.]
         Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion.  --Shak.
         This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had
         made such early progress into laborious . . .
         enterprises.                          --Milton.
4. Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression;
   opiniativeness; conceitedness. [Obs.] --Shak.
5. (Law.) The formal decision, or expression of views, of a
   judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially
   called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point
   submitted.
{To be of opinion}, to think; to judge.
{To hold opinion with}, to agree with. [Obs.] --Shak.
Syn: Sentiment; notion; persuasion; idea; view; estimation.
     See {Sentiment}.

\O*pin"ion\, v. t.
To opine. [Obs.]