Definition of: habit

(hab′it) noun
1. A tendency toward an action or condition, which by repetition has become spontaneous.
2. An action so induced; habitual course of action or conduct.
3. Habitual condition, appearance, or temperament; physical or mental make–up.
4. Biol. A characteristic mode of growth or aspect of a plant or animal.
5. An outer garment or garments; costume; especially, a woman's dress or costume for horseback riding.
6. The distinctive garment of a religious order.
7. Psychol. An acquired response or set of responses; a cultivated tendency. Compare INSTINCT.
8. Obs. Intimate acquaintance; familiarity.
—v.t.
1. To furnish with a habit; clothe; dress.
2. Obs. To inhabit. [<OF <L habitus condition, dress <habere have] Synonyms (noun): custom, fashion, habitude, practice, routine, rule, system, usage, use, wont. Habit is a tendency or inclination toward an action or condition, which by repetition has become easy, spontaneous, or even unconscious, or an action or regular series of actions, or a condition so induced. Habitude is habitual relation or association. Custom is the uniform doing of the same act in the same circumstance, usually, at least in the origin of the custom, for a definite reason; routine is the doing of customary acts in a regular and uniform sequence and is more mechanical than custom. It is the custom of shopkeepers to open at a uniform hour, and to follow a regular routine of business until closing time. Custom is chiefly used of the action of many; habit of the action of one; we speak of the customs of society, the habits of an individual. Fashion is the generally recognized custom in the smaller matters, especially in dress. A rule is prescribed either by some external authority or by one's own will; as, It is the rule of the house; or, my invariable rule. Practice is the active doing of something in a systematic way; we do not speak of the practice, but of the habit of going to sleep. Wont is established usage or custom and now chiefly poetical. Compare CUSTOM, DRESS, MANNER, PRACTICE, USE.