In*ten"sion (?), n. [L.
intensio: cf. F. intension. See Intend, and cf.
Intention.]
1. A straining, stretching, or bending; the
state of being strained; as, the intension of a musical
string.
2. Increase of power or energy of any quality
or thing; intenseness; fervency. Jer. Taylor.
Sounds . . . likewise do rise and fall with the
intension or remission of the wind.
Bacon.
3. (Logic & Metaph.) The collective
attributes, qualities, or marks that make up a complex general
notion; the comprehension, content, or connotation; -- opposed to
extension, extent, or sphere.
This law is, that the intension of our
knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension.
Sir W. Hamilton.
