motive

1. (obsolete) An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.Examples: "there's something in a woman beyond all human delight; a magnetic virtue, a charming quality, an occult and powerful motive."obsolete

2. (obsolete, rare) A limb or other bodily organ that can move.Examples: "every joint and motive of her body"obsoleterare

3. (law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour.Examples: "What would his motive be for burning down the cottage?"; "No-one could understand why she had hidden the shovel; her motives were obscure at best."; "“Why should Eldridge commit murder?[…]There was only one possible motive—namely, he wished to avoid detection as James Selby of Anaconda Ltd. […]”"

4. (architecture, fine arts, music) Alternative form of motif.Examples: "If you listen carefully, you can hear the flutes mimicking the cello motive."alt-ofalternative

5. (British) A party, gathering, or get-together.British

6. (British) One's plans for the day or night.Examples: "What's the motive for tonight, lads?"British