The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contemplation \Con`tem*pla"tion\, n. [F. contemplation, L.
   contemplatio.]
   1. The act of the mind in considering with attention;
      continued attention of the mind to a particular subject;
      meditation; musing; study.
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            In contemplation of created things,
            By steps we may ascend to God.        --Milton.
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            Contemplation is keeping the idea which is brought
            into the mind for some time actually in view.
                                                  --Locke.
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   2. Holy meditation. [Obs.]
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            To live in prayer and contemplation.  --Shak.
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   3. The act of looking forward to an event as about to happen;
      expectation; the act of intending or purposing.
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            In contemplation of returning at an early date, he
            left.                                 --Reid.
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   To have in contemplation, to inted or purpose, or to have
      under consideration.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

contemplation
    n 1: a long and thoughtful observation
    2: a calm, lengthy, intent consideration [syn: contemplation,
       reflection, reflexion, rumination, musing,
       thoughtfulness]