Animus

[Latin, Mind, soul, or intention.] A tendency or an inclination toward a definite, sometimes unavoidable, goal; an aim, objective, or purpose.

When animus is used in conjunction with other words of Latin origin, its most common meaning is "the intention of." For example, animus revocandi is the intention of revoking; animus possidendi is the intention of possessing.

Animo, meaning "with intent," may be employed in a manner similar to animus. For example, animo felonico means with felonious intent.

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ANIMUS. The intent; the mind with which a thing is done, as animus cancellandi, the intention of cancelling; animus farandi, the intention of stealing; animus maiaendi, the intention of remaining; animus morandi, the intention or purpose of delaying.
    2. Whether the act of a man, when in appearance criminal, be so or not, depends upon the intention with which it was done. Vide Intention.