Ap"pe*tite (#), n. [OE. appetit, F. app'etit, fr. L. appetitus, fr. appetere to strive after, long for; ad + petere to seek. See Petition, and cf. Appetence.]

1.

The desire for some personal gratification, either of the body or of the mind.

The object of appetite it whatsoever sensible good may be wished for; the object of will is that good which reason does lead us to seek. Hooker.

2.

Desire for, or relish of, food or drink; hunger.

Men must have appetite before they will eat. Buckle.

3.

Any strong desire; an eagerness or longing.

It God had given to eagles an appetite to swim. Jer. Taylor.

To gratify the vulgar appetite for the marvelous. Macaulay.

4.

Tendency; appetency.

[Obs.]

In all bodies there as an appetite of union. Bacon.

5.

The thing desired.

[Obs.]

Power being the natural appetite of princes. Swift.

⇒ In old authors, appetite is followed by to or of, but regularly it should be followed by for before the object; as, an appetite for pleasure.

Syn. -- Craving; longing; desire; appetency; passion.

 

© Webster 1913.

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