Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Influence

Influence (in"flu*ens) , noun

[French influence, from Latin influens, -entis, p. pr. See Influent, and compare Influenza.]

1.
A flowing in or upon; influx. [Obsolete]
God hath his influence into the very essence of all things. — Hooker
2.
Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, physical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which affects, modifies, or sways; as, the influence which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers, of the stars over affairs.
Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars, evil aspects. — Bacon
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? — Job xxxviii. 31
She said: “Ah, dearest lord! what evil star On you hath frown'd, and poured, his influence bad?” — Spenser
3.
Power or authority arising from elevated station, excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community.
Such influence hath your excellency. — Sir P. Sidney
4.
(Electricity) Induction.

Influence (in"flu*enst) , transitive verb

To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to affect; to move; to persuade; to induce.
These experiments succeed after the same manner in vacuo as in the open air, and therefore are not influenced by the weight or pressure of the atmosphere. — Sir I. Newton
This standing revelation... is sufficient to influence their faith and practice, if they attend. — Attebury
The principle which influenced their obedience has lost its efficacy. — Rogers