sensibilities

1 definition found

sensibilities - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sensibility \Sen`si*bil"i*ty\, n.; pl. Sensibilities. [Cf. F.
     sensibilit['e], LL. sensibilitas.]
     1. (Physiol.) The quality or state of being sensible, or
        capable of sensation; capacity to feel or perceive.
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     2. The capacity of emotion or feeling, as distinguished from
        the intellect and the will; peculiar susceptibility of
        impression, pleasurable or painful; delicacy of feeling;
        quick emotion or sympathy; as, sensibility to pleasure or
        pain; sensibility to shame or praise; exquisite
        sensibility; -- often used in the plural. "Sensibilities
        so fine!" --Cowper.
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              The true lawgiver ought to have a heart full of
              sensibility.                          --Burke.
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              His sensibilities seem rather to have been those of
              patriotism than of wounded pride.     --Marshall.
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     3. Experience of sensation; actual feeling.
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              This adds greatly to my sensibility.  --Burke.
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     4. That quality of an instrument which makes it indicate very
        slight changes of condition; delicacy; as, the sensibility
        of a balance, or of a thermometer.
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     Syn: Taste; susceptibility; feeling. See Taste.
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