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.

signifying a settled bent of mind towards 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, because, having a special relation to a particular object, it cannot exist till the object have once at least been presented. It is also distinguishable from Passion, which, depending on the real or ideal presence of its object, vanishes with it; whereas Affection is a lasting connection; and, like other connections, subsists even when we do not think of the person. A familiar example will illustrate this. There may be in one person's mind a disposition to gratitude, which, through want of an object, happens never to be exerted; and which therefore is never discovered even by the person himself. Another, who has the same disposition, meets with a kindly office that makes him grateful to his benefactor: An intimate connection is formed between them, termed affection; which, like other connections, has a permanent existence, though not always in view. The affection, for the most part, lies dormant, till an opportunity offer for exerting it: in that circumstance, it is converted into the passion of gratitude; and the opportunity is eagerly seized of testifying gratitude in the warmest manner.

Affection, among Physicians, signifies the same as disease. Thus the hysterical affection is the same with the hysterical disease.

Afferrers or Afferrors, in Law, persons appointed in courts-leet, courts-baron, &c. to lettle, upon oath, the fines to be imposed upon those who have been guilty of faults arbitrarily punishable.