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.