Definition: meaning

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

meaning
     adj : rich in significance or implication; "a meaning look";
           "pregnant with meaning" [syn: meaning, pregnant,
            significant]
     n 1: the message that is intended or expressed [syn: significance,
           signification, import]
     2: the idea that is intended; "What is the meaning of this
        proverb?" [syn: substance]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Mean \Mean\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Meant; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Meaning.] [OE. menen, AS. m[=ae]nan to recite, tell,
   intend, wish; akin to OS. m[=e]nian to have in mind, mean, D.
   meenen, G. meinen, OHG. meinan, Icel. meina, Sw. mena, Dan.
   mene, and to E. mind. ?. See Mind, and cf. Moan.]
   1. To have in the mind, as a purpose, intention, etc.; to
      intend; to purpose; to design; as, what do you mean to do
      ?

            What mean ye by this service ?        --Ex. xii. 26.

            Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto
            good.                                 --Gen. 1. 20.

            I am not a Spaniard To say that it is yours and not
            to mean it.                           --Longfellow.

   2. To signify; to indicate; to import; to denote.

            What mean these seven ewe lambs ?     --Gen. xxi.
                                                  29.

            Go ye, and learn what that me?neth.   --Matt. ix.
                                                  13.
Meaning \Mean"ing\, n.
   1. That which is meant or intended; intent; purpose; aim;
      object; as, a mischievous meaning was apparent.

            If there be any good meaning towards you. --Shak.

   2. That which is signified, whether by act lanquage;
      signification; sence; import; as, the meaning of a hint.

   3. Sense; power of thinking. [R.] -- Mean"ing*less, a. --
      Mean"ing*ly, adv.