The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tendency \Tend"en*cy\, n.; pl. Tendencies. [L. tendents,
   -entis, p. pr. of tendere: cf. F. tendance. See Tend to
   move.]
   Direction or course toward any place, object, effect, or
   result; drift; causal or efficient influence to bring about
   an effect or result.
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         Writings of this kind, if conducted with candor, have a
         more particular tendency to the good of their country.
                                                  --Addison.
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         In every experimental science, there is a tendency
         toward perfection.                       --Macaulay.
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   Syn: Disposition; inclination; proneness; drift; scope; aim.
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