An`i*mos"i*ty (#), n.; pl. Animosities (#). [F. animosit'e, fr. L. animositas. See Animose, Animate, v. t.] 1. Mere spiritedness or courage. [Obs.]
Skelton.
Such as give some proof of animosity, audacity, and execution, those she [the crocodile] loveth.
Holland.
2. Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active enmity; energetic dislike.
Macaulay.
Syn. -- Enmity; hatred; opposition. -- Animosity, Enmity. Enmity be dormant or concealed; animosity is active enmity, inflamed by collision and mutual injury between opposing parties. The animosities which were continually springing up among the clans in Scotland kept that kingdom in a state of turmoil and bloodshed for successive ages. The animosities which have been engendered among Christian sects have always been the reproach of the church.
Such [writings] as naturally conduce to inflame hatreds and make enmities irreconcilable.
Spectator.
[These] factions . . . never suspended their animosities till they ruined that unhappy government.
Hume.
© Webster 1913. | 
