[ex.pec.ta.tion] n (1540) 1: the act or state of expecting: anticipation
2. a: something expected "not up to ~s" b: basis for expecting: assurance "they have every ~ of success" c: prospects of inheritance--usu. used in pl.
3: the state of being expected
4. a: expectancy 2b b: expected value -- ex.pec.ta.tion.al adj