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 pleasureActs 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.