In·tel·li·gence n.
1. The act or state of knowing; the exercise of the understanding.
2. The capacity to know or understand; readiness of comprehension; the intellect, as a gift or an endowment.
And dimmed with darkness their intelligence. --Spenser.
3. Information communicated; news; notice; advice.
Intelligence is given where you are hid. --Shak.
4. Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity. [Obs.]
He lived rather in a fair intelligence than any friendship with the favorites. --Clarendon.
5. Knowledge imparted or acquired, whether by study, research, or experience; general information. Specifically; Mil. Information about an enemy or potential enemy, his capacities, and intentions.
I write as he that none intelligence
Of meters hath, ne flowers of sentence. --Court of Love.
6. An intelligent being or spirit; -- generally applied to pure spirits; as, a created intelligence.
The great Intelligences fair
That range above our mortal state,
In circle round the blessed gate,
Received and gave him welcome there. --Tennyson.
Intelligence office, an office where information may be obtained, particularly respecting servants to be hired.
Syn: -- Understanding; intellect; instruction; advice; notice; notification; news; information; report.
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