[mod.L., a. Gr. type *τέλεσις (f. τελεῖν to finish, complete, f. τέλος end) implied in compounds, as τελεσίδρομος completing the course.] The intelligent direction of effort toward the achievement of an end.
1898. L. F. Ward, Outl. Sociology, 181, 186–190.
1905. Dealey & Ward, Text-bk. Sociology, IV. xvi. § 280. 237. If we regard all the forces of nature … as so many means to the ends of man and society, telesis becomes the adjustment of means to ends, and all human effort is expended upon the means.
