(n.) A hollow, muscular organ, which, by contracting
rhythmically, keeps up the circulation of the blood.
(n.) The seat of the affections or sensibilities, collectively or
separately, as love, hate, joy, grief, courage, and the like; rarely,
the seat of the understanding or will; -- usually in a good sense, when
no epithet is expressed; the better or lovelier part of our nature; the
spring of all our actions and purposes; the seat of moral life and
character; the moral affections and character itself; the individual
disposition and character; as, a good, tender, loving, bad, hard, or
selfish heart.
(n.) The nearest the middle or center; the part most hidden and
within; the inmost or most essential part of any body or system; the
source of life and motion in any organization; the chief or vital
portion; the center of activity, or of energetic or efficient action;
as, the heart of a country, of a tree, etc.
(n.) Courage; courageous purpose; spirit.
(n.) Vigorous and efficient activity; power of fertile
production; condition of the soil, whether good or bad.
(n.) That which resembles a heart in shape; especially, a
roundish or oval figure or object having an obtuse point at one end,
and at the other a corresponding indentation, -- used as a symbol or
representative of the heart.
(n.) One of a series of playing cards, distinguished by the
figure or figures of a heart; as, hearts are trumps.
(n.) Vital part; secret meaning; real intention.
(n.) A term of affectionate or kindly and familiar address.
(v. t.) To give heart to; to hearten; to encourage; to inspirit.
(v. i.) To form a compact center or heart; as, a hearting
cabbage.
