What is the meaning of the word "quickening"?

Definitions:

  1. the act of accelerating copy to clipboard noun
    • Any more quickening and we are going to blow the motor. copy to clipboard
  2. the process of showing signs of life copy to clipboard noun
    • The quickening has begun. copy to clipboard
  3. the stage of pregnancy at which the mother first feels the movements of the fetus copy to clipboard noun
    • Does life begin at the quickening? copy to clipboard

Synonyms: