in a general sense, implies an attribute inseparable from its subject. Thus magnitude, figure, weight, &c., are affections of all bodies; and love, fear, hatred, &c., are affections of the mind.

Affection, signifying a settled bent of mind toward a particular being or thing, occupies a middle space between disposition on the one hand, and passion on the other*. It is distinguishable from Disposition, which * See Disposition, being a branch of one's nature, originally, must exist before there can be an opportunity to exert it upon any particular object; whereas Affection can never be original, Affection, in law, persons appointed in courts-leet, courts-baron, &c., to settle, upon oath, the fines to be imposed upon those who have been guilty of faults arbitrarily punishable.