Con`tem*pla"tion (?), n. [F. contemplation, L. contemplatio.]
1.
The act of the mind in considering with attention; continued attention of the mind to a particular subject; meditation; musing; study.
In contemplation of created things,
By steps we may ascend to God.
Milton.
Contemplation is keeping the idea which is brought into the mind for some time actually in view.
Locke.
2.
Holy meditation.
[Obs.]
To live in prayer and contemplation.
Shak.
3.
The act of looking forward to an event as about to happen; expectation; the act of intending or purposing.
In contemplation of returning at an early date, he left.
Reid.
To have in contemplation, to inted or purpose, or to have under consideration.
© Webster 1913.