Des`ig*na"tion (?), n. [L. designatio: cf. F. d'esignation.]
1.
The act of designating; a pointing out or showing; indication.
2.
Selection and appointment for a purpose; allotment; direction.
3.
That which designates; a distinguishing mark or name; distinctive title; appellation.
The usual designation of the days of the week.
Whewell.
4.
Use or application; import; intention; signification, as of a word or phrase.
Finite and infinite seem . . . to be attributed primarily, in their first designation, only to those things have parts.
Locke.
© Webster 1913.