In`spi*ra"tion (?), n. [F. inspiration, L. inspiratio. See Inspire.]
1.
The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. Physiol., the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; -- the opposite of expiration.
2.
The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations.
Shak.
3. Theol.
A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
2 Tim. iii. 16.
The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses.
Sharp.
Plenary inspiration Theol., that kind of inspiration which excludes all defect in the utterance of the inspired message. -- Verbal inspiration Theol., that kind of inspiration which extends to the very words and forms of expression of the divine message.
© Webster 1913.