Part 97

Im`pug*na"tion (?), n. [L. impugnatio: cf. OF. impugnation.] Act of impugning; opposition; attack. [Obs.]

A perpetual impugnation and self- conflict.

Bp. Hall.

Im*pugn"er (?), n. One who impugns.

Im*pugn"ment (?), n. The act of impugning, or the state of being impugned. Ed. Rev.

Im*pu"is*sance (?), n. [Cf. F. impuissance.] Lack of power; inability. Bacon.

Their own impuissance and weakness.

Holland.

Im*pu"is*sant (?), a. [F., fr. pref. im- not + puissant. See Puissant.] Weak; impotent; feeble.

Im"pulse (?), n. [L. impulsus, fr. impellere. See Impel.]

1. The act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; especially, force so communicated as to produced motion suddenly, or immediately.

All spontaneous animal motion is performed by mechanical impulse.

S. Clarke.

2. The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.

3. (Mech.) The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action; as, the impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body.

4. A mental force which simply and directly urges to action; hasty inclination; sudden motive; momentary or transient influence of appetite or passion; propension; incitement; as, a man of good impulses; passion often gives a violent impulse to the will.

These were my natural impulses for the undertaking.

Dryden.

Syn. -- Force; incentive; influence; motive; feeling; incitement; instigation.

Im*pulse" (?), v. t. [See Impel.] To impel; to incite. [Obs.] Pope.

Im*pul"sion (?), n. [L. impulsio: cf. F. impulsion. See Impel.]

1. The act of impelling or driving onward, or the state of being impelled; the sudden or momentary agency of a body in motion on another body; also, the impelling force, or impulse. "The impulsion of the air." Bacon.

2. Influence acting unexpectedly or temporarily on the mind; sudden motive or influence; impulse. "The impulsion of conscience." Clarendon. "Divine impulsion prompting." Milton.

Im*pul"sive (?), a. [Cf. F. impulsif.]

1. Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.

Poor men! poor papers! We and they Do some impulsive force obey.

Prior.

2. Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings.