to take pleasure in

1 definition found

to take pleasure in - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Pleasure \Pleas"ure\, n. [F. plaisir, originally an infinitive.
     See Please.]
     1. The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable
        sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or
        happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of
        something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to
        pain, sorrow, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
                                                    --Ps. xvi. 11.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or
        dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; --
        opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc. "Not
        sunk in carnal pleasure." --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man. --Prov.
                                                    xxi. 17.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. --2
                                                    Tim. iii. 4.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or
        satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose. "He will
        do his pleasure on Babylon." --Isa. xlviii. 14.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you
              to come, let not my letter.           --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. That which pleases; a favor; a gratification. --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure --Acts
                                                    xxv. 9.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     At pleasure, by arbitrary will or choice. --Dryden.
  
     To take pleasure in, to have enjoyment in. --Ps. cxlvii.
        11.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Pleasure is used adjectively, or in the formation of
           self-explaining compounds; as, pleasure boat, pleasure
           ground; pleasure house, etc.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: Enjoyment; gratification; satisfaction; comfort; solace;
          joy; gladness; delight; will; choice; preference;
          purpose; command; favor; kindness.
          [1913 Webster]