Intercourse, n.
Etymology: [Formerly entercourse, OF. entrecours commerce, exchange, F. entrecours a reciprocal right on neighboring lands, L. intercursus a running between, fr. intercurrere to run between. See Inter-, and Course.]
A This sweet intercourse Of looks and smiles. Milton. Sexual intercourse, sexual or carnal connection; coition.
Syn. -- Communication; connection; commerce; communion; fellowship; familiarity; acquaintance.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for intercourse; he lists it under conversation.
Where he writes about it:
There may be intercourse without conversation, as by looks, signs, etc.; communion is of hearts, with or without words; communication is often by writing, and may be uninvited and unreciprocated. — from conversation
Synonyms
Antonyms
none given