(?), n. [F., from L. opinio. See Opine.] 1.
That which is opined; a notion or conviction founded on probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard to any point of knowledge or action.
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-Opinion is when the assent of the understanding is so far gained by evidence of probability, that it rather inclines to one persuasion than to another, yet not without a mixture of incertainty or doubting. Sir M. Hale.
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-I can not put off my opinion so easily. Shak.
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2.
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
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-I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people. Shak.
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-Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend. South.
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-However, I have no opinion of those things. Bacon.
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3.
Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem. [Obs.]
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-Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion. Shak.
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-This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had made such early progress into laborious . . . enterprises. Milton.
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4.
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness. [Obs.] Shak.
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5. (Law.)
The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted.
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To be of opinion, to think; to judge. -- To hold opinion with, to agree with. [Obs.] Shak.
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Syn. -- Sentiment; notion; persuasion; idea; view; estimation. See Sentiment.
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