Noah Webster
Important
IMPORT'ANT, adjective Literally, bearing on or to. Hence, weighty; momentous; of great consequence; having a bearing on some interest, measure or result by which good or ill may be produced. Truth is important to happiness as well as to knowledge, but none so important as religious truth. The commerce of Great Britain is important to her navy, and her navy is important to her independence. Men often forget the important end for which they were created.
1. Bearing on; forcible; driving.
He fiercely at him flew,
And with important outrage him assailed.
2. Importunate. [Not used.]