VOCA'TION, noun [Latin vocatio, from voco, to call. See Voice.]

1. Among divines, a calling by the will of God; or the bestowment of God's distinguishing grace upon a person or nation, by which that person or nation is put in the way of salvation; as the vocation of the Jews under the old dispensation, and of the Gentiles under the gospel.

2. Summons; call; inducement.

What can be urged for them who, not having the vocation of poverty to scribble, out of mere wantonness make themselves ridiculous!

3. Designation or destination to a particular state or profession.

None is to enter the ecclesiastic or monastie state, without a particular vocation

4. Employment; calling; occupation; trade; a word that includes professions as well as mechanical occupations. Let every divine, every physician, every lawyer, and every mechanic, be faithful and diligent in his vocation