Pleas"ure (?), n. [F. plaisir, originally an infinitive. See Please.]
1.
The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of something good, delightful, or satisfying; -- opposed to pain, sorrow, etc.
At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Ps. xvi. 11.
2.
Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; -- opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc.
"Not sunk in carnal
pleasure."
Milton.
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man.
Prov. xxi. 17.
Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.
2 Tim. iii. 4.
3.
What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose.
"He will do his
pleasure on Babylon."
Isa. xlviii. 14.
Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you to come, let not my letter.
Shak.
4.
That which pleases; a favor; a gratification.
Shak.
Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure
Acts xxv. 9.
At pleasure, by arbitrary will or choice. Dryden. -- To take pleasure in, to have enjoyment in. Ps. cxlvii. 11.
Pleasure is used adjectively, or in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, pleasure boat, pleasure ground; pleasure house, etc.
Syn. -- Enjoyment; gratification; satisfaction; comfort; solace; joy; gladness; delight; will; choice; preference; purpose; command; favor; kindness.
© Webster 1913.
Pleas"ure, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pleasured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pleasuring.]
To give or afford pleasure to; to please; to gratify.
Shak.
[Rolled] his hoop to pleasure Edith.
Tennyson.
© Webster 1913.
Pleas"ure, v. i.
To take pleasure; to seek pursue pleasure; as, to go pleasuring.
© Webster 1913.