n. & int.
n. 1 the act or faculty of applying one's mind (give me your attention; attract his attention). 2 a consideration (give attention to the problem). b care (give special attention to your handwriting). 3 (in pl.) a ceremonious politeness (he paid his attentions to her). b wooing, courting (she was the subject of his attentions). 4 Mil. an erect attitude of readiness (stand at attention).
int. (in full stand at attention!) an order to assume an attitude of attention.
[ ME f. L attentio (as ATTEND, -ION) ]