Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Appetite
Ap′pe-tite
,Noun.
1.
The desire for some personal gratification, either of the body or of the mind.
The object of
appetite
it whatsoever sensible good may be wished for; the object of will is that good which reason does lead us to seek. Hooker.
2.
Desire for, or relish of, food or drink; hunger.
Men must have
appetite
before they will eat. Buckle.
3.
Any strong desire; an eagerness or longing.
It God had given to eagles an
appetite
to swim. Jer. Taylor.
To gratify the vulgar
appetite
for the marvelous. Macaulay.
4.
Tendency; appetency.
[Obs.]
In all bodies there as an
appetite
of union. Bacon.
5.
The thing desired.
[Obs.]
Power being the natural
appetite
of princes. Swift.
☞ In old authors, appetite is followed by to or of, but regularly it should be followed by for before the object; as, an appetite for pleasure.
Syn. – Craving; longing; desire; appetency; passion.
Webster 1828 Edition
Appetite
AP'PETITE
,Noun.
1.
The natural desire of pleasure or good; the desire of gratification, either of the body or of the mind. Appetites are passions directed to general objects, as the appetite for fame, glory or riches; in distinction from passions directed to some particular objects, which retain their proper name, as the passion of love, envy or gratitude. Passion does not exist without an object; natural appetites exist first, and are then directed to objects.2.
A desire of food or drink; a painful sensation occasioned by hunger or thirst.3.
Strong desire; eagerness or longing.4.
The thing desired.Power being the natural appetite of princes.
Appetites are natural or artificial. Hunger and thirst are natural appetites; the appetites for olives, tobacco, snuff, &c. are artificial.
In old authors, appetite is followed by to, but regularly it should be followed by for before the object, as an appetite for pleasure.
To be given to appetite, is to be voracious or gluttonous. Prov. 23:2.