Des`ig*na"tion (?), n. [L.
designatio: cf. F. désignation.]
1. The act of designating; a pointing out or
showing; indication.
2. Selection and appointment for a purpose;
allotment; direction.
3. That which designates; a distinguishing
mark or name; distinctive title; appellation.
The usual designation of the days of the
week.
Whewell.
4. Use or application; import; intention;
signification, as of a word or phrase.
Finite and infinite seem . . . to be attributed
primarily, in their first designation, only to those things
which have parts.
Locke.