Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary -- Volume DE

1. Execution; performance; realization; operation; as, the law goes into effect in May.

That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it.
Shak.

2. Manifestation; expression; sign.

All the large effects
That troop with majesty.
Shak.

3. In general: That which is produced by an agent or cause; the event which follows immediately from an antecedent, called the cause; result; consequence; outcome; fruit; as, the effect of luxury.

The effect is the unfailing index of the amount of the cause.
Whewell.

4. Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.

Patchwork . . . introduced for oratorical effect.
J. C. Shairp.

The effect was heightened by the wild and lonely nature of the place.
W. Irving.

5. Power to produce results; efficiency; force; importance; account; as, to speak with effect.

6. Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; -- with to.

They spake to her to that effect.
2 Chron. xxxiv. 22.

7. The purport; the sum and substance. "The effect of his intent." Chaucer.

8. Reality; actual meaning; fact, as distinguished from mere appearance.