1. That which is put, or which may be regarded as put, in the way of
some of the senses; something visible or tangible; as, he observed an
object in the distance; all the objects in sight; he touched a strange
object in the dark.
2. That which is set, or which may be regarded as set, before the mind
so as to be apprehended or known; that of which the mind by any of its
activities takes cognizance, whether a thing external in space or a
conception formed by the mind itself; as, an object of knowledge,
wonder, fear, thought, study, etc.
Object is a term for that about which the knowing subject is
conversant; what the schoolmen have styled the "materia circa
quam."
Sir. W. Hamilton.
The object of their bitterest hatred.
Macaulay.
3. That by which the mind, or any of its activities, is directed; that
on which the purpose are fixed as the end of action or effort; that
which is sought for; end; aim; motive; final cause.
Object, beside its proper signification, came to be abusively
applied to denote motive, end, final cause . . . . This innovation
was probably borrowed from the French.
Sir. W. Hamilton.
Let our object be, our country, our whole country, and nothing but
our country.