From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Intent \In*tent"\, a. [L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See
Intend, and cf. Intense.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the
mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on
self-improvement.
[1913 Webster]
2. Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object;
sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; -- formerly with
to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure.
"Intent on mischief." --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of
the speaker. --I. Watts.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Intent \In*tent"\, n. [OE. entent, entente, attention, purpose,
OF. entente, F. entente understanding, meaning; a participial
noun, fr. F. & OF. entendre. See Intend.]
The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a
design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim.
[1913 Webster]
Be thy intents wicked or charitable. --Shak.
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The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the
laws of duties supernatural. --Hooker.
[1913 Webster]
To all intents and purposes, in all applications or senses;
practically; really; virtually; in essence; essentially.
"He was miserable to all intents and purpose."
--L'Estrange.
Syn: Design; purpose; intention; meaning; purport; view;
drift; object; end; aim; plan.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
intent
adj 1: giving or marked by complete attention to; "that
engrossed look or rapt delight"; "then wrapped in
dreams"; "so intent on this fantastic...narrative that
she hardly stirred"- Walter de la Mare; "rapt with
wonder"; "wrapped in thought" [syn: captive,
absorbed, engrossed, enwrapped, intent,
wrapped]
n 1: an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your
planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new
translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was
created with the conscious aim of answering immediate
needs"; "he made no secret of his designs" [syn: purpose,
intent, intention, aim, design]
2: the intended meaning of a communication [syn: intent,
purport, spirit]