In`cli*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° 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 with 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.
