n. According to old and primitive modes of thought, an invisible corporeal thing of an airy nature, scarcely material, the principle of life, mediating between soul and body.n. The principle of life conceived as a fragment of the divine essence breathed into man by God.n. Metaphorically, animation; vivacity; exuberance of life; cheerfulness; courage; mettle; temper; humor; mood: usually in the plural.n. A peculiar animating and inspiring principle; dominant influence; genius; that which pervades and tempers the conduct and thought of men, either singly or (especially) in bodies, and characterizes them or their works.n. The essence, real meaning, or intent of any statement, command, or contract: opposed to letter.n. Incorporeal, immaterial being or principle; personality, or a personality, unconnected or only associated with a body: in Biblical use applied to God, and specifically to the third person of the Trinity (the Holy Spirit); also to supernatural good and evil beings (angels).n. A person considered with respect to his peculiar characteristics of mind or temper, especially as shown in action; a man of life, fire, energy, enterprise, courage, or the like, who influences or dominates: as, the leading spirits of the movement were arrested.n. A disembodied soul, or a soul naturally destitute of an ordinary solid body; an apparition of such a being; a specter; a ghost.n. A supernatural being; an angel, fairy, elf, sprite, demon, or the like.n. A subtle fluid contained in a particular substance, and conferring upon it its peculiar properties.n. In old chemistry, a liquor obtained by distillation; often in the plural.n. A strong alcoholic liquor; in a restricted sense, such a liquor variously treated in the process of distillation, and used as a beverage or medicinally, as brandy, whisky, and gin; in the plural, any strong distilled liquor.n. A solution of tin in an acid, used in dyeing.n. An aspirate; a breathing, as the letter h.n. The essence or active principle of anything.n. In mod. German philos., the highest mode of existence; also, anything possessing such existence.n. By inspiration; by or under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.n. Synonyms Life, Liveliness, etc. (see animation), force, resolution.n. 4. Drift, gist, sense, significance, nature.n. Soul, Intellect, etc. (see mind); inner self, vital essence.To animate; inspire; inspirit; excite; encourage; enliven; cheer: sometimes with up.To convey away rapidly and secretly, as if by the agency of a spirit; kidnap: generally with off, away, or other adverb of direction.To treat with spirits.n. One of an officially recognized class of pharmaceutical preparations, formerly made by distilling with alcohol a crude drug containing some volatile and medicinally useful ingredient, but now frequently by direct solution in alcohol of this ingredient, such as a volatile oil or essence, previously obtained in separate form. Spirit of cinnamon is an example.