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Impression


IMPRES'SION, noun [Latin impressio.] The act of impressing, as one body on another; as a figure made by impression

1. Mark; indentation; stamp made by pressure; as, a seal makes an impression on wax.

2. The effect which objects produce on the mind. Thus we say, the truths of the gospel make an impression on the mind; they make no impression or a deep and lasting impression The heart is impressed with love or gratitude. We lie open to the impressions of flattery.

3. Image in the mind; idea.

4. Sensible effect. The artillery made no impression on the fort. The attack made no impression on the enemy.

5. A single edition of a book; the books printed at once; as a copy of the last impression The whole impression of the work was sold in a month.

6. Slight, indistinct remembrance. I have an impression that the fact was stated to me, but I cannot clearly recollect it.