Rap"ture (?), n. [L. rapere, raptum, to carry off by force. See Rapid.] 1. A seizing by violence; a hurrying along; rapidity with violence. [Obs.]
That 'gainst a rock, or flat, her keel did dash
With headlong rapture.
Chapman.
2. The state or condition of being rapt, or carried away from one's self by agreeable excitement; violence of a pleasing passion; extreme joy or pleasure; ecstasy.
Music, when thus applied, raises in the mind of the hearer great conceptions; it strengthens devotion, and advances praise into rapture.
Addison.
You grow correct that once with rapture writ.
Pope.
3. A spasm; a fit; a syncope; delirium. [Obs.]
Shak.
Syn. -- Bliss; ecstasy; transport; delight; exultation.
© Webster 1913.
Rap"ture, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Raptured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Rapturing.] To transport with excitement; to enrapture. [Poetic]
Thomson.
© Webster 1913. |