In*flex"ure (?), n. An inflection; a bend or fold. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
In*flict" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inflicted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Inflicting.] [L. inflictus, p. p. of infligere to strike on, to
inflict; pref. in- in, on + fligere to strike. Cf. Flail.] To give,
cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly;
to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or suffer; as, to
inflict blows; to inflict a wound with a dagger; to inflict severe pain
by ingratitude; to inflict punishment on an offender; to inflict the
penalty of death on a criminal.
What heart could wish, what hand inflict, this dire disgrace?
Drygen.
The persecution and the pain That man inflicts on all inferior
kinds.
Cowper.
In*flict"er (?), n. One who inflicts.
God is the sole and immediate inflicter of such strokes.
South.
In*flic"tion (?), n. [L. inflictio: cf. F. infliction.] 1. The act of
inflicting or imposing; as, the infliction of torment, or of
punishment.
2. That which is inflicted or imposed, as punishment, disgrace,
calamity, etc.
His severest inflictions are in themselves acts of justice and
righteousness.
Rogers.
In*flict"ive (?), a. [Cf. F. inflictif.] Causing infliction; acting as
an infliction. Whitehead.
In`flo*res"cence (?), n. [L. inflorescens, p. pr. of inflorescere to
begin to blossom; pref. in- in + florescere to begin to blossom: cf. F.
inflorescence. See Florescent.] 1. A flowering; the putting forth and
unfolding of blossoms.
2. (Bot.) (a) The mode of flowering, or the general arrangement and
disposition of the flowers with reference to the axis, and to each
other. (b) An axis on which all the buds are flower buds.
Inflorescence affords an excellent characteristic mark in
distinguishing the species of plants.
Milne.
Centrifugal inflorescence, determinate inflorescence. -- Centripetal
inflorescence, indeterminate inflorescence. See under Determinate, and
Indeterminate.
In*flow" (?), v. i. To flow in. Wiseman.
In"flu*ence (n"fl*ens), n. [F. influence, fr. L. influens, -entis, p.
pr. See Influent, and cf. Influenza.] 1. A flowing in or upon; influx.
[Obs.]
God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.
Hooker.
2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, physical or
moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency,
force, or tendency of any kind which affects, modifies, or sways; as,
the influence which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the
influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to
astrologers, of the stars over affairs.
Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars, evil aspects.
Bacon.
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the
bands of Orion?
Job xxxviii. 31.
She said : "Ah, dearest lord! what evil star On you hath frown'd,
and poured, his influence bad?"
Spenser.
3. Power or authority arising from elevated station, excelence of
character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged
ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community.
Such influence hath your excellency.
Sir P. Sidney.