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.
Etymology: ME f. L attentio (as ATTEND, -ION)