Instinct
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [1]
That power which acts on and impels any creature to any particular manner of conduct, not by a view of the beneficial consequences, but merely from a strong impulse supposed necessary in its effects, and to be given them to supply the place of reason.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1):
(v. t.) To impress, as an animating power, or instinct.
(2):
(a.) A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct.
(3):
(a.) Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by which an animal is guided to the performance of any action, without of improvement in the method.
(4):
(a.) Natural inward impulse; unconscious, involuntary, or unreasoning prompting to any mode of action, whether bodily, or mental, without a distinct apprehension of the end or object to be accomplished.
(5):
(a.) Urged or stimulated from within; naturally moved or impelled; imbued; animated; alive; quick; as, birds instinct with life.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
that power which acts on and impels any creature to a particular manner of conduct, not by a view of the beneficial consequences, but merely from a strong impulse, supposed to be necessary in its effects, and to be given in order to supply the place of reason.
