Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN'FLU-ENCE, n. [Fr. from L. influens, influo, to flow in; in and fluo, to flow; Sp. influencia; It. influenza.]

1. Literally, a flowing in, into or on, and referring to substances spiritual or too subtil to be visible, like inspiration. Hence the word was formerly followed by into. God hath his influence into the very essence of all things. – Hooker. It is now followed by on or with.
2. In a general sense, influence denotes power whose operation is invisible and known only by its effects, or a power whose cause and operation are unseen.
3. The power which celestial bodies are supposed to exert on terrestrial; as, the influence of the planets on the birth and fortunes of men; an exploded doctrine of astrology.
4. Moral power; power of truth operating on the mind, rational faculties or will, in persuading or dissuading; as, the influence of motives, of arguments, or of prayer. We say, arguments had no influence on the jury. The magistrate is not popular; he has no influence with the people; or he has great influence with the prince.
5. Physical power; power that affects natural bodies by unseen operation; as, the rays of the sun have an influence in whitening cloth, and in giving a green color to vegetables.
6. Power acting on sensibility; as, the influence of love or pity in sympathy.
7. Spiritual power, or the immediate power of God on the mind; as, divine influence; the influences of the Holy Spirit.