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(), n.[F. essence, L. essentia, formed as if fr. a p. pr. of esse to be. See Is, and cf. Entity.] 1. The constituent elementary notions which constitute a complex notion, and must be enumerated to define it; sometimes called the nominal essence. 2. The constituent quality or qualities which belong to any object, or class of objects, or on which they depend for being what they are (distinguished as real essence); the real being, divested of all logical accidents; that quality which constitutes or marks the true nature of anything; distinctive character; hence, virtue or quality of a thing, separated from its grosser parts. The laws are at present, both in form and essence, the greatest curse that society labors under. Landor. Gifts and alms are the expressions, not the essence of this virtue [charity]. Addison. The essence of Addison's humor is irony. Courthope. 3. Constituent substance. And uncompounded is their essence pure. Milton. 4. A being; esp., a purely spiritual being. Es"sence v. t.[imp. & p. p.Essenced (); p. pr. & vb. n.Essencing ().] To perfume; to scent. "Essenced fops." Addison. スポンサード リンク
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