cultivation (n.)

1700, "the devoting of special attention or study to the development of" (a branch of  knowledge); by 1716 in the general sense of "promotion of mental growth or development," in both cases a figurative use, from French cultivation (16c.), noun of action from cultiver, from Latin cultivare "to till" (see cultivate). Meaning "the raising of a plant or crop" is from 1719; sense of "act or practice of tilling land and preparing it for crops" is from 1725.