Opinion \O*pin"ion\, 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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