In‐ten″sion (?), n. [L. intensio: cf. F. intension. See Intend, and cf. Intention.]
1. A straining, stretching, or bending; the state of being strained; as, the intension of a musical string.
2. Increase of power or energy of any quality or thing; intenseness; fervency. Jer. Taylor.
Sounds... likewise do rise and fall with the intension or remission of the wind. Bacon.
3. (Logic & Metaph.) The collective attributes, qualities, or marks that make up a complex general notion; the comprehension, content, or connotation; — opposed to extension, extent, or sphere.
This law is, that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. Sir W. Hamilton.