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.