Influence \In"flu*ence\ ([i^]n"fl[-u]*ens), n. [F.
         influence,
   fr. L. influens, -entis, p. pr. See Influent, and cf.
  
         Influenza.]
   1. A
         flowing in or upon; influx. [Obs.]
 
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            God hath his influence into the very essence of all
            things.                               --Hooker.
     
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   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.
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         Webster]

            Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars,
            evil aspects.                         --Bacon.
     
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            Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or
            loose the bands of Orion?             --Job xxxviii.
                                                  31.
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         Webster]

            She said : "Ah, dearest lord! what evil star
            On you hath frown'd, and poured, his influence bad?"
                                                  --Spenser.
     
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   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.
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            Such influence hath your excellency.  --Sir P.
                                                  Sidney.
     
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   4. (Elec.) Induction.

   Syn:
         Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power; authority;
  
              supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character;

                reputation; prestige.
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