Intelligence \In*tel"li*gence\, n. [F. intelligence, L.
   intelligentia, intellegentia. See Intelligent.]
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   1. The act or state of knowing; the exercise of the
      understanding.
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   2. The capacity to know or understand; readiness of
      comprehension; the intellect, as a gift or an endowment.
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            And dimmed with darkness their intelligence.
                                                  --Spenser.
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   3. Information communicated; news; notice; advice.
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            Intelligence is given where you are hid. --Shak.
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   4. Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity. [Obs.]
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            He lived rather in a fair intelligence than any
            friendship with the favorites.        --Clarendon.
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   5. Knowledge imparted or acquired, whether by study,
      research, or experience; general information.
      Specifically; (Mil.) Information about an enemy or
      potential enemy, his capacities, and intentions.
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            I write as he that none intelligence
            Of meters hath, ne flowers of sentence. --Court of
                                                  Love.
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   6. An intelligent being or spirit; -- generally applied to
      pure spirits; as, a created intelligence. --Milton.
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            The great Intelligences fair
            That range above our mortal state,
            In circle round the blessed gate,
            Received and gave him welcome there.  --Tennyson.
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   7. (Mil.) The division within a military organization that
      gathers and evaluates information about an enemy.
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   Intelligence office, an office where information may be
      obtained, particularly respecting servants to be hired.

   Syn: Understanding; intellect; instruction; advice; notice;
        notification; news; information; report.
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