noun see: nation
Date: 14th century
1. the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing ; essence , disposition , temperament ,
2. a creative and controlling force in the universe, an inner force or the sum of such forces in an individual, a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics , the physical constitution or drives of an organism, a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity), the external world in its entirety,
7. humankind's original or natural condition, a simplified mode of life resembling this condition, the genetically controlled qualities of an organism, natural scenery, see: type