significance

SIGNIF'ICANCE, SIGNIF'ICANCY, n. [L. significans. See Signify.]

1. Meaning; import; that which is intended to be expressed; as the significance of a nod, or of a motion of the hand, or of a word or expression.

2. Force; energy; power of impressing the mind; as a duty enjoined with particular significance.

3. Importance; moment; weight; consequence. Many a circumstance of less significancy has been construed into an event act of high treason.