Inclination compass, an inclinometer. - - Inclination of an orbit
(Astron.), the angle which the orbit makes with the ecliptic. --
Inclination of the needle. See Dip of the needle, under Dip.
Syn. -- Bent; tendency; proneness; bias; proclivity; propensity;
prepossession; predilection; attachment; desire; affection; love. See
Bent, and cf. Disposition.
In*clin"a*to*ry (?; 277), a. Having the quality of leaning or
inclining; as, the inclinatory needle. -- In*clin"a*to*ri*ly (#), adv.
Sir T. Browne.
In*cline" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Inclined (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Inclining.] [OE. inclinen, enclinen, OF. encliner, incliner, F.
incliner, L. inclinare; pref. in- in + clinare to bend, incline; akin
to E. lean. See Lean to incline.]
1. To deviate from a line, direction, or course, toward an object; to
lean; to tend; as, converging lines incline toward each other; a road
inclines to the north or south.
2. Fig.: To lean or tend, in an intellectual or moral sense; to favor
an opinion, a course of conduct, or a person; to have a propensity or
inclination; to be disposed.
Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech.
Judges ix. 3.
Power finds its balance, giddy motions cease In both the scales,
and each inclines to peace.
Parnell.