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.]
