notion

Etymology

From Latin nōtiō (“a becoming acquainted, a taking cognizance, an examination, an investigation, a conception, idea, notion”), from nōscō (“to know”). Compare French notion. See know.

noun

1. Mental apprehension of whatever may be known, thought, or imagined; idea, concept.
   1705-1715', George Cheyne, The Philosophical Principles of Religion Natural and Revealed there are few that agree in their Notions about them:.
2. A sentiment; an opinion.
   December 2, 1832, John Henry Newman, Wilfulness, the Sin of Saul A perverse will easily collects together a system of notions to justify itself in its obliquity.
   “Anthea hasn't a notion in her head but to vamp a lot of silly mugwumps. She's set her heart on that tennis bloke[…]whom the papers are making such a fuss about.” 1935, George Goodchild, chapter 1, in Death on the Centre Court
3. (obsolete) Sense; mind.
4. (colloquial) An invention; an ingenious device; a knickknack.
   Yankee notions
5. Any small article used in sewing and haberdashery, either for attachment to garments or as a tool, such as a button, zipper, or thimble.
6. (colloquial) Inclination; intention; disposition.
   I have a notion to do it.