Syn. -- Patience, Resignation. Patience implies the quietness or
self-possession of one's own spirit under sufferings, provocations,
etc.; resignation implies submission to the will of another. The Stoic
may have patience; the Christian should have both patience and
resignation.
Pa"tient (?), a. [F., fr. L. patiens, -entis, p. pr. of pati to suffer.
Cf. Pathos, Passion.] 1. Having the quality of enduring; physically
able to suffer or bear.
Patient of severest toil and hardship.
Bp. Fell.
2. Undergoing pains, trails, or the like, without murmuring or
fretfulness; bearing up with equanimity against trouble;
long-suffering.
3. Constant in pursuit or exertion; persevering; calmly diligent; as,
patient endeavor.
Whatever I have done is due to patient thought.
Sir I. Newton.
4. Expectant with calmness, or without discontent; not hasty; not
overeager; composed.
Not patient to expect the turns of fate.
Prior.