condition with reference to place; location; situation.
2.
a place occupied or to be occupied; site: a fortified position.
3.
the proper, appropriate, or usual place: out of position.
4.
situation or condition, esp. with relation to favorable or unfavorable circumstances: to be in an awkward position; to bargain from a position of strength.
5.
status or standing: He has a position to maintain in the community.
6.
high standing, as in society; important status: a person of wealth and position.
7.
a post of employment: a position in a bank.
8.
manner of being placed, disposed, or arranged: the relative position of the hands of a clock.
9.
bodily posture or attitude: to be in a sitting position.
10.
mental attitude; stand: one's position on a controversial topic.
the arrangement of tones in a chord, esp. with regard to the location of the root tone in a triad or to the distance of the tones from each other. Compare close position, inversion(def. 8a), open position, root position.
b.
any of the places on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument where the fingers stop the strings to produce the variouspitches.
c.
any of the places to which the slide of a trombone is shifted to produce changes in pitch.
15.
Finance. a commitment to buy or sell securities: He took a large position in defense stocks.
16.
Classical Prosody. the situation of a short vowel before two or more consonants or their equivalent, making the syllable metrically long.
–verb (used with object)
17.
to put in a particular or appropriate position; place.
18.
to determine the position of; locate.
[Origin: 1325–75; ME posicioun a positing (< AF) < L positiōn- (s. of positiō) a placing, etc. See posit, -ion]
—Related forms
po·si·tion·al, adjective
po·si·tion·less, adjective
—Synonyms 2. station, locality, spot. 5. rank. 7.Position,job,place,situation refer to a post of employment. Position is any employment, though usually above manual labor: a position as clerk. Job is colloquial for position, and applies to any work from lowest to highest in an organization: a job as cook, as manager. Place and situation are both mainly used today in reference to a position that is desired or being applied for; situation is the general word in the business world: Situations Wanted; place is used rather of domestic employment: He is looking for a place as a gardener. 8. placement, disposition, array, arrangement. 9.Position,posture,attitude,pose refer to an arrangement or disposal of the body or its parts. Position is the general word for the arrangement of the body: in a reclining position. Posture is usually an assumed arrangement of the body, esp. when standing: a relaxed posture. Attitude is often a posture assumed for imitative effect or the like, but may be one adopted for a purpose (as that of a fencer or a tightrope walker): an attitude of prayer. A pose is an attitude assumed, in most cases, for artistic effect: an attractive pose. 12. proposition, hypothesis, postulate, thesis; dictum, assertion, predication, contention; doctrine, principle. 17. situate.
The right or appropriate place: The bands are in position for the parade's start.
A strategic area occupied by members of a force: The troops took up positions along the river.
The way in which something is placed: the position of the clock's hands.
The arrangement of body parts; posture: a standing position.
Sports The area for which a particular player is responsible.
The arrangement of the pieces or cards at any particular time in a game such as chess, checkers, or bridge.
The act or process of positing.
A principle or proposition posited.
A commitment to buy or sell a given amount of securities or commodities.
The amount of securities or commodities held by a person, firm, or institution.
The ownership status of a person's or institution's investments.
The way in which something is placed: the position of the clock's hands.
The arrangement of body parts; posture: a standing position.
Sports The area for which a particular player is responsible.
The arrangement of the pieces or cards at any particular time in a game such as chess, checkers, or bridge.
The act or process of positing.
A principle or proposition posited.
A commitment to buy or sell a given amount of securities or commodities.
The amount of securities or commodities held by a person, firm, or institution.
The ownership status of a person's or institution's investments.
An advantageous place or location: jockeys maneuvering for position.
A situation as it relates to the surrounding circumstances: in a position to bargain.
A point of view or attitude on a certain question: the mayor's position on taxes.
Social standing or status; rank.
A post of employment; a job.
Sports The area for which a particular player is responsible.
The arrangement of the pieces or cards at any particular time in a game such as chess, checkers, or bridge.
The act or process of positing.
A principle or proposition posited.
A commitment to buy or sell a given amount of securities or commodities.
The amount of securities or commodities held by a person, firm, or institution.
The ownership status of a person's or institution's investments.
The act or process of positing.
A principle or proposition posited.
A commitment to buy or sell a given amount of securities or commodities.
The amount of securities or commodities held by a person, firm, or institution.
The ownership status of a person's or institution's investments.
A commitment to buy or sell a given amount of securities or commodities.
The amount of securities or commodities held by a person, firm, or institution.
The ownership status of a person's or institution's investments.
tr.v.
po·si·tioned, po·si·tion·ing, po·si·tions
To put in place or position.
To determine the position of; locate.
[Middle English posicioun, from Old French posicion, from Latin positiō, positiōn-, from positus, past participle of pōnere, to place; see apo- in Indo-European roots.]
po·si'tion·al adj., po·si'tion·al·ly adv., po·si'tion·er n.
c.1374, as a term in logic and philosophy, from O.Fr. posicion, from L. positionem (nom. positio) "act or fact of placing, position, affirmation," from posit-, pp. stem of ponere "put, place," from PIE *po-s(i)nere, from *apo- "off, away" (see apo-) + *sinere "to leave, let," of obscure origin. Meaning "manner in which a body is arranged or posed" first recorded 1703; specifically in ref. to dance steps, 1778, sexual intercourse, 1883. Meaning "official station, employment" is from 1890. The verb meaning "to put in a particular position" is recorded from 1817.
the particular portion of space occupied by something; "he put the lamp back in its place"
2.
a point occupied by troops for tactical reasons [syn: military position]
3.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.; "consider what follows from the positivist view"
4.
the arrangement of the body and its limbs; "he assumed an attitude of surrender"
5.
the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society; "he had the status of a minor"; "the novel attained the status of a classic"; "atheists do not enjoy a favorable position in American life" [syn: status]
6.
a job in an organization; "he occupied a post in the treasury"
7.
the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated; "the position of the hands on the clock"; "he specified the spatial relations of every piece of furniture on the stage"
8.
the appropriate or customary location; "the cars were in position"
9.
(in team sports) the role assigned to an individual player; "what position does he play?"
10.
the act of putting something in a certain place [syn: placement]
11.
a condition or position in which you find yourself; "the unpleasant situation (or position) of having to choose between two evils"; "found herself in a very fortunate situation" [syn: situation]
12.
a rationalized mental attitude
13.
an opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute; "there are two sides to every question" [syn: side]
14.
an item on a list or in a sequence; "in the second place"; "moved from third to fifth position" [syn: place]
15.
the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another; "can you go in my stead?"; "took his place"; "in lieu of" [syn: stead]
16.
the act of positing; an assumption taken as a postulate or axiom
verb
1.
cause to be in an appropriate place, state, or relation
2.
put into a certain place or abstract location; "Put your things here"; "Set the tray down"; "Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children"; "Place emphasis on a certain point" [syn: put]
A bodily attitude or posture, especially a posture assumed by
a patient to facilitate the performance of diagnostic, surgical, or therapeutic procedures.
The relation of an arbitrarily chosen portion of the fetus to the right or left side of
the mother.
Main Entry: 1po·si·tion Pronunciation: p&-'zish-&n Function: noun : a particular arrangement or location;
specifically: an arrangement of the parts of the body considered particularly desirable for some medical or surgical procedure <knee-chest position> <lithotomy
position> —po·si·tion·al/p&-'zish-&n-&l/adjective
The amount of a security either owned (which constitutes a long position) or borrowed (which constitutes a short position) by an individual or by a dealer. In other words,
it's a trade an investor currently holds open.
Investopedia Commentary
For example, you might hear it used in the following contexts: 1. Dealers often take long
positions in specific securities to maintain inventories and allow for quick and easy trading. 2. The trader closed his position and locked in a profit of 10%.
The ownership status of a person's or an institution's investments. For example, a person may own 500 shares of Sun Microsystems, 350 shares of Boeing, and a $10,000
principal amount of 9% bonds due in 2001. See also long position, short position.
An"gle\ ([a^][ng]"g'l), n. [F. angle, L. angulus angle, corner; akin to uncus hook, Gr. 'agky`los bent, crooked, angular, 'a`gkos a bend or hollow, AS. angel hook, fish-hook, G. angel, and F. anchor.]1. The inclosed space near the point where two lines meet; a corner; a nook. Into the utmost angle of the world. --Spenser. To search the tenderest angles of the heart. --Milton. 2. (Geom.) (a) The figure made by. two lines which meet. (b) The difference of direction of two lines. In the lines meet, the point of meeting is the vertex of the angle. 3. A projecting or sharp corner; an angular fragment. Though but an angle reached him of the stone. --Dryden. 4. (Astrol.) A name given to four of the twelve astrological "houses." [Obs.] --Chaucer. 5. [AS. angel.] A fishhook; tackle for catching fish, consisting of a line, hook, and bait, with or without a rod. Give me mine angle: we 'll to the river there. --Shak. A fisher next his trembling angle bears. --Pope. Acute angle, one less than a right angle, or less than 90[deg]. Adjacent or Contiguous angles, such as have one leg common to both angles. Alternate angles. See Alternate. Angle bar. (a) (Carp.) An upright bar at the angle where two faces of a polygonal or bay window meet. --Knight. (b) (Mach.) Same as Angle iron. Angle bead (Arch.), a bead worked on or fixed to the angle of any architectural work, esp. for protecting an angle of a wall. Angle brace, Angle tie (Carp.), a brace across an interior angle of a wooden frame, forming the hypothenuse and securing the two side pieces together. --Knight. Angle iron (Mach.), a rolled bar or plate of iron having one or more angles, used for forming the corners, or connecting or sustaining the sides of an iron structure to which it is riveted. Angle leaf (Arch.), a detail in the form of a leaf, more or less conventionalized, used to decorate and sometimes to strengthen an angle. Angle meter, an instrument for measuring angles, esp. for ascertaining the dip of strata. Angle shaft (Arch.), an enriched angle bead, often having a capital or base, or both. Curvilineal angle, one formed by two curved lines. External angles, angles formed by the sides of any right-lined figure, when the sides are produced or lengthened. Facial angle. See under Facial. Internal angles, those which are within any right-lined figure. Mixtilineal angle, one formed by a right line with a curved line. Oblique angle, one acute or obtuse, in opposition to a right angle. Obtuse angle, one greater than a right angle, or more than 90[deg]. Optic angle. See under Optic. Rectilineal or Right-lined angle, one formed by two right lines. Right angle, one formed by a right line falling on another perpendicularly, or an angle of 90[deg] (measured by a quarter circle). Solid angle, the figure formed by the meeting of three or more plane angles at one point. Spherical angle, one made by the meeting of two arcs of great circles, which mutually cut one another on the surface of a globe or sphere. Visual angle, the angle formed by two rays of light, or two straight lines drawn from the extreme points of an object to the center of the eye. For Angles of commutation, draught, incidence, reflection, refraction, position, repose, fraction, see Commutation, Draught, Incidence, Reflection, Refraction, etc.
Com*pound"\ (k[o^]m*pound"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Compounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Compounding.] [OE. componen, compounen, L. componere, compositum; com-+ ponere to put set. The d is excrescent. See Position, and cf. Compon['e].]1. To form or make by combining different elements, ingredients, or parts; as, to compound a medicine. Incapacitating him from successfully compounding a tale of this sort. --Sir W. Scott. 2. To put together, as elements, ingredients, or parts, in order to form a whole; to combine, mix, or unite. We have the power of altering and compounding those images into all the varieties of picture. --Addison. 3. To modify or change by combination with some other thing or part; to mingle with something else. Only compound me with forgotten dust. --Shak. 4. To compose; to constitute. [Obs.] His pomp and all what state compounds. --Shak. 5. To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement; to compromise; to discharge from obligation upon terms different from those which were stipulated; as, to compound a debt. I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife. --Shak. To compound a felony, to accept of a consideration for forbearing to prosecute, such compounding being an indictable offense. See Theftbote.
De*pone"\ (d[-e]*p[=o]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deponed (-p[=o]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Deponing.] [L. deponere, depositum, to put down, in LL., to assert under oath; de- + ponere to put, place. See Position, and cf. Deposit.]1. To lay, as a stake; to wager. [Obs.] --Hudibras. 2. To lay down. [R.] --Southey. 3. To assert under oath; to depose. [A Scotticism] Sprot deponeth that he entered himself thereafter in conference. --State Trials(1606).
Dis`po*si"tion\, n. [F. disposition, dispositio, fr. disponere to dispose; dis- + ponere to place. See Position, and cf. Dispone.]1. The act of disposing, arranging, ordering, regulating, or transferring; application; disposal; as, the disposition of a man's property by will. Who have received the law by the disposition of angels. --Acts vii. 53. The disposition of the work, to put all things in a beautiful order and harmony, that the whole may be of a piece. --Dryden. 2. The state or the manner of being disposed or arranged; distribution; arrangement; order; as, the disposition of the trees in an orchard; the disposition of the several parts of an edifice. 3. Tendency to any action or state resulting from natural constitution; nature; quality; as, a disposition in plants to grow in a direction upward; a disposition in bodies to putrefaction. 4. Conscious inclination; propension or propensity. How stands your disposition to be married? --Shak. 5. Natural or prevailing spirit, or temperament of mind, especially as shown in intercourse with one's fellow-men; temper of mind. "A man of turbulent disposition." --Hallam. "He is of a very melancholy disposition." --Shak. His disposition led him to do things agreeable to his quality and condition wherein God had placed him. --Strype. 6. Mood; humor. As I perchance hereafter shall think meet To put an antic disposition on. --Shak. Syn: Disposal; adjustment; regulation; arrangement; distribution; order; method; adaptation; inclination; propensity; bestowment; alienation; character; temper; mood. -- Disposition, Character, Temper. Disposition is the natural humor of a person, the predominating quality of his character, the constitutional habit of his mind. Character is this disposition influenced by motive, training, and will. Temper is a quality of the fiber of character, and is displayed chiefly when the emotions, especially the passions, are aroused.
Ex*pound"\ ([e^]ks*pound"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Expounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Expounding.] [OE. exponen, expounen, expounden, fr. L. exponere to set out, expose, expound; ex out + ponere to put: cf. OE. expondre, expondre. See Position.]1. To lay open; to expose to view; to examine. [Obs.] He expounded both his pockets. --Hudibras. 2. To lay open the meaning of; to explain; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of Scripture, a law, a word, a meaning, or a riddle. Expound this matter more fully to me. --Bunyan.
Im*pone"\, v. t. [L. imponere, impositum, to place upon; pref. im- in + ponere to place. See Position.] To stake; to wager; to pledge. [Obs.] Against the which he has imponed, as I take it, six French rapiers and poniards. --Shak.
In`ter*po*si"tion\ (?; 277), n. [L. interpositio a putting between, insertion, fr. interponere, interpositum: cf. F. interposition. See Interpone, Position.]1. The act of interposing, or the state of being interposed; a being, placing, or coming between; mediation. 2. The thing interposed.
Jux`ta*po*si"tion\, n. [L. juxta near + positio position: cf. F. juxtaposition. See Just, v. i., and Position.] A placing or being placed in nearness or contiguity, or side by side; as, a juxtaposition of words. Parts that are united by a a mere juxtaposition. --Glanvill. Juxtaposition is a very unsafe criterion of continuity. --Hare.
Mi*crom"e*ter\, n. [Micro- + -meter: cf. F. microm[`e]tre.] An instrument, used with a telescope or microscope, for measuring minute distances, or the apparent diameters of objects which subtend minute angles. The measurement given directly is that of the image of the object formed at the focus of the object glass. Circular, or Ring, micrometer, a metallic ring fixed in the focus of the object glass of a telescope, and used to determine differences of right ascension and declination between stars by observations of the times at which the stars cross the inner or outer periphery of the ring. Double image micrometer, a micrometer in which two images of an object are formed in the field, usually by the two halves of a bisected lens which are movable along their line of section by a screw, and distances are determined by the number of screw revolutions necessary to bring the points to be measured into optical coincidence. When the two images are formed by a bisected object glass, it is called a divided-object-glass micrometer, and when the instrument is large and equatorially mounted, it is known as a heliometer. Double refraction micrometer, a species of double image micrometer, in which the two images are formed by the double refraction of rock crystal. Filar, or Bifilar, micrometer. See under Bifilar. Micrometercaliper or gauge (Mech.), a caliper or gauge with a micrometer screw, for measuring dimensions with great accuracy. Micrometer head, the head of a micrometer screw. Micrometer microscope, a compound microscope combined with a filar micrometer, used chiefly for reading and subdividing the divisions of large astronomical and geodetical instruments. Micrometer screw, a screw with a graduated head used in some forms of micrometers. Position micrometer. See under Position. Scale, or Linear, micrometer, a minute and very delicately graduated scale of equal parts used in the field of a telescope or microscope, for measuring distances by direct comparison.
Op*po"nent\, a. [L. opponens, -entis, p. pr. of opponere to set or place against, to oppose; ob (see Ob-) + ponere to place. See Position.] Situated in front; opposite; hence, opposing; adverse; antagonistic. --Pope.
Pol*lute"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Polluted; p. pr. & vb. n. Polluting.] [L. pollutus, p. p. of polluere to defile, to pollute, from a prep. appearing only in comp. + luere to wash. See Position, Lave.]1. To make foul, impure, or unclean; to defile; to taint; to soil; to desecrate; -- used of physical or moral defilement. The land was polluted with blood. --Ps. cvi. 38 Wickedness . . . hath polluted the whole earth. --2 Esd. xv. 6. 2. To violate sexually; to debauch; to dishonor. 3. (Jewish Law) To render ceremonially unclean; to disqualify or unfit for sacred use or service, or for social intercourse. Neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die. --Num. xviii. 32. They have polluted themselves with blood. --Lam. iv. 14. Syn: To defile; soil; contaminate; corrupt; taint; vitiate; debauch; dishonor; ravish.
Por*tend"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Portended; p. pr. & vb. n. Portending.] [L. portendre, portentum, to foretell, to predict, to impend, from an old preposition used in comp. + tendere to stretch. See Position, Tend.]1. To indicate (events, misfortunes, etc.) as in future; to foreshow; to foretoken; to bode; -- now used esp. of unpropitious signs. --Bacon. Many signs portended a dark and stormy day. --Macaulay. 2. To stretch out before. [R.] "Doomed to feel the great Idomeneus' portended steel." --Pope. Syn: To foreshow; foretoken; betoken; forebode; augur; presage; foreshadow; threaten.
Pose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Posed; p. pr. & vb. n. Posing.] [F. poser to place, to put, L. pausare to pause, in LL. also, to place, put, fr. L. pausa a pause, Gr. ?, fr. ? to make to cease, prob. akin to E. few. In compounds, this word appears corresponding to L. ponere to put, place, the substitution in French having been probably due to confusion of this word with L. positio position, fr. ponere. See Few, and cf. Appose, Dispose, Oppose, Pause, Repose, Position.] To place in an attitude or fixed position, for the sake of effect; to arrange the posture and drapery of (a person) in a studied manner; as, to pose a model for a picture; to pose a sitter for a portrait.
Pos"it\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Posited; p. pr. & vb. n. Positing.] [L. ponere, positum, to place. See Position.]1. To dispose or set firmly or fixedly; to place or dispose in relation to other objects. --Sir M. Hale. 2. (Logic) To assume as real or conceded; as, to posit a principle. --Sir W. Hamilton.
Po*si"tion\, n. [F. position, L. positio, fr. ponere, positum, to put, place; prob. for posino, fr. an old preposition used only in comp. (akin to Gr. ?) + sinere to leave, let, permit, place. See Site, and cf. Composite, Compound, v., Depone, Deposit, Expound, Impostor, Opposite, Propound, Pose, v., Posit, Post, n.]1. The state of being posited, or placed; the manner in which anything is placed; attitude; condition; as, a firm, an inclined, or an upright position. We have different prospects of the same thing, according to our different positions to it. --Locke. 2. The spot where a person or thing is placed or takes a place; site; place; station; situation; as, the position of man in creation; the fleet changed its position. 3. Hence: The ground which any one takes in an argument or controversy; the point of view from which any one proceeds to a discussion; also, a principle laid down as the basis of reasoning; a proposition; a thesis; as, to define one's position; to appear in a false position. Let not the proof of any position depend on the positions that follow, but always on those which go before. --I. Watts. 4. Relative place or standing; social or official rank; as, a person of position; hence, office; post; as, to lose one's position. 5. (Arith.) A method of solving a problem by one or two suppositions; -- called also the rule of trial and error. Angle of position (Astron.), the angle which any line (as that joining two stars) makes with another fixed line, specifically with a circle of declination. Double position (Arith.), the method of solving problems by proceeding with each of two assumed numbers, according to the conditions of the problem, and by comparing the difference of the results with those of the numbers, deducing the correction to be applied to one of them to obtain the true result. Guns of position (Mil.), heavy fieldpieces, not designed for quick movements. Position finder (Mil.), a range finder. See under Range. Position micrometer, a micrometer applied to the tube of an astronomical telescope for measuring angles of position in the field of view. Single position (Arith.), the method of solving problems, in which the result obtained by operating with an assumed number is to the true result as the number assumed is to the number required. Strategic position (Mil.), a position taken up by an army or a large detachment of troops for the purpose of checking or observing an opposing force. Syn: Situation; station; place; condition; attitude; posture; proposition; assertion; thesis.
Pos"i*tive\, a. [OE. positif, F. positif, L. positivus. See Position.]1. Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; -- opposed to negative. "Positive good." --Bacon. 2. Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute; -- opposed to relative; as, the idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals. 3. Definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed; -- opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise. Positive words, that he would not bear arms against King Edward's son. --Bacon. 4. Hence: Not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof. "'T is positive 'gainst all exceptions." --Shak. 5. Prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws. In laws, that which is natural bindeth universally; that which is positive, not so. --Hooker. 6. Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; -- said of persons. Some positive, persisting fops we know, That, if once wrong, will needs be always. --Pope. 7. Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation. --Swift. 8. (Photog.) Corresponding with the original in respect to the position of lights and shades, instead of having the lights and shades reversed; as, a positive picture. 9. (Chem.) (a) Electro-positive. (b) Hence, basic; metallic; not acid; -- opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals. Positive crystals (Opt.), a doubly refracting crystal in which the index of refraction for the extraordinary ray is greater than for the ordinary ray, and the former is refracted nearer to the axis than the latter, as quartz and ice; -- opposed to negative crystal, or one in which this characteristic is reversed, as Iceland spar, tourmaline, etc. Positive degree (Gram.), that state of an adjective or adverb which denotes simple quality, without comparison or relation to increase or diminution; as, wise, noble. Positive electricity (Elec), the kind of electricity which is developed when glass is rubbed with silk, or which appears at that pole of a voltaic battery attached to the plate that is not attacked by the exciting liquid; -- formerly called vitreous electricity; -- opposed to negative electricity. Positive eyepiece. See under Eyepiece. Positive law. See Municipal law, under Law. Positive motion (Mach.), motion which is derived from a driver through unyielding intermediate pieces, or by direct contact, and not through elastic connections, nor by means of friction, gravity, etc.; definite motion. Positive philosophy. See Positivism. Positive pole. (a) (Elec.) The pole of a battery or pile which yields positive or vitreous electricity; -- opposed to negative pole. (b) (Magnetism) The north pole. [R.] Positive quantity (Alg.), an affirmative quantity, or one affected by the sign plus [+]. Positive rotation (Mech.), left-handed rotation. Positive sign (Math.), the sign [+] denoting plus, or more, or addition.
Pos*sess"\ (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Possessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Possessing.] [L. possessus, p. p. of possidere to have, possess, from an inseparable prep. (cf. Position) + sedere to sit. See Sit.]1. To occupy in person; to hold or actually have in one's own keeping; to have and to hold. Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land. --Jer. xxxii. 15. Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power, After offense returning, to regain Love once possessed. --Milton. 2. To have the legal title to; to have a just right to; to be master of; to own; to have; as, to possess property, an estate, a book. I am yours, and all that I possess. --Shak. 3. To obtain occupation or possession of; to accomplish; to gain; to seize. How . . . to possess the purpose they desired. --Spenser. 4. To enter into and influence; to control the will of; to fill; to affect; -- said especially of evil spirits, passions, etc. "Weakness possesseth me." --Shak. Those which were possessed with devils. --Matt. iv. 24. For ten inspired, ten thousand are possessed. --Roscommon. 5. To put in possession; to make the owner or holder of property, power, knowledge, etc.; to acquaint; to inform; -- followed by of or with before the thing possessed, and now commonly used reflexively. I have possessed your grace of what I purpose. --Shak. Record a gift . . . of all he dies possessed Unto his son. --Shak. We possessed our selves of the kingdom of Naples. --Addison. To possess our minds with an habitual good intention. --Addison. Syn: To have; hold; occupy; control; own. Usage: Possess, Have. Have is the more general word. To possess denotes to have as a property. It usually implies more permanence or definiteness of control or ownership than is involved in having. A man does not possess his wife and children: they are (so to speak) part of himself. For the same reason, we have the faculties of reason, understanding, will, sound judgment, etc.: they are exercises of the mind, not possessions.
Post\, n. [AS., fr. L. postis, akin to ponere, positum, to place. See Position, and cf. 4th Post.]1. A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed, or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially when intended as a stay or support to something else; a pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a house. They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses. --Ex. xii. 7. Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore, The gates of Azza, post and massy bar. --Milton. Unto his order he was a noble post. --Chaucer. Note: Post, in the sense of an upright timber or strut, is used in composition, in such words as king-post, queen-post, crown-post, gatepost, etc. 2. The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt. [Obs.] When God sends coin I will discharge your post. --S. Rowlands. From pillar to post. See under Pillar. Knight of the post. See under Knight. Post hanger (Mach.), a bearing for a revolving shaft, adapted to be fastened to a post. Post hole, a hole in the ground to set the foot of a post in. Post mill, a form of windmill so constructed that the whole fabric rests on a vertical axis firmly fastened to the ground, and capable of being turned as the direction of the wind varies. Post and stall (Coal Mining), a mode of working in which pillars of coal are left to support the roof of the mine.
Post\, n. [F. poste, LL. posta station, post (where horses were kept), properly, a fixed or set place, fem. fr. L. positus placed, p. p. of ponere. See Position, and cf. Post a pillar.]1. The place at which anything is stopped, placed, or fixed; a station. Specifically: (a) A station, or one of a series of stations, established for the refreshment and accommodation of travelers on some recognized route; as, a stage or railway post. (b) A military station; the place at which a soldier or a body of troops is stationed; also, the troops at such a station. (c) The piece of ground to which a sentinel's walk is limited. 2. A messenger who goes from station; an express; especially, one who is employed by the government to carry letters and parcels regularly from one place to another; a letter carrier; a postman. In certain places there be always fresh posts, to carry that further which is brought unto them by the other. --Abp. Abbot. I fear my Julia would not deign my lines, Receiving them from such a worthless post. --Shak. 3. An established conveyance for letters from one place or station to another; especially, the governmental system in any country for carrying and distributing letters and parcels; the post office; the mail; hence, the carriage by which the mail is transported. I send you the fair copy of the poem on dullness, which I should not care to hazard by the common post. --Pope. 4. Haste or speed, like that of a messenger or mail carrier. [Obs.] "In post he came." --Shak. 5. One who has charge of a station, especially of a postal station. [Obs.] He held office of postmaster, or, as it was then called, post, for several years. --Palfrey. 6. A station, office, or position of service, trust, or emolument; as, the post of duty; the post of danger. The post of honor is a private station. --Addison. 7. A size of printing and writing paper. See the Table under Paper. Post and pair, an old game at cards, in which each player a hand of three cards. --B. Jonson. Post bag, a mail bag. Post bill, a bill of letters mailed by a postmaster. Post chaise, or Post coach, a carriage usually with four wheels, for the conveyance of travelers who travel post. Post day, a day on which the mall arrives or departs. Post hackney, a hired post horse. --Sir H. Wotton. Post horn, a horn, or trumpet, carried and blown by a carrier of the public mail, or by a coachman. Post horse, a horse stationed, intended, or used for the post. Post hour, hour for posting letters. --Dickens. Post office. (a) An office under governmental superintendence, where letters, papers, and other mailable matter, are received and distributed; a place appointed for attending to all business connected with the mail. (b) The governmental system for forwarding mail matter. Postoffice order. See Money order, under Money. Post road, or Post route, a road or way over which the mail is carried. Post town. (a) A town in which post horses are kept. (b) A town in which a post office is established by law. To ride post, to ride, as a carrier of dispatches, from place to place; hence, to ride rapidly, with as little delay as possible. To travel post, to travel, as a post does, by relays of horses, or by keeping one carriage to which fresh horses are attached at each stopping place.
Post*pone"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Postponed; p. pr. & vb. n. Postponing.] [L. postponere, postpositum; post after + ponere to place, put. See Post-, and Position.]1. To defer to a future or later time; to put off; also, to cause to be deferred or put off; to delay; to adjourn; as, to postpone the consideration of a bill to the following day, or indefinitely. His praise postponed, and never to be paid. --Cowper. 2. To place after, behind, or below something, in respect to precedence, preference, value, or importance. All other considerations should give way and be postponed to this. --Locke. Syn: To adjourn; defer; delay; procrastinate.
Pos"ture\ (?; 135), n. [F., fr. L. positura, fr. ponere, positum, to place. See Position.]1. The position of the body; the situation or disposition of the several parts of the body with respect to each other, or for a particular purpose; especially (Fine Arts), the position of a figure with regard to the several principal members by which action is expressed; attitude. Atalanta, the posture of whose limbs was so lively expressed . . . one would have sworn the very picture had run. --Sir P. Sidney. In most strange postures We have seen him set himself. --Shak. The posture of a poetic figure is a description of his heroes in the performance of such or such an action. --Dryden. 2. Place; position; situation. [Obs.] --Milton. His [man's] noblest posture and station in this world. --Sir M. Hale. 3. State or condition, whether of external circumstances, or of internal feeling and will; disposition; mood; as, a posture of defense; the posture of affairs. The several postures of his devout soul. --Atterbury. Syn: Attitude; position. See Attitude.
Prep`o*si"tion\, n. [L. praepositio, fr. praeponere to place before; prae before + ponere to put, place: cf. F. pr['e]position. See Position, and cf. Provost.]1. (Gram.) A word employed to connect a noun or a pronoun, in an adjectival or adverbial sense, with some other word; a particle used with a noun or pronoun (in English always in the objective case) to make a phrase limiting some other word; -- so called because usually placed before the word with which it is phrased; as, a bridge of iron; he comes from town; it is good for food; he escaped by running. 2. A proposition; an exposition; a discourse. [Obs.] He made a long preposition and oration. --Fabyan.
Pro*pound"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Propounding.] [From earlier propone, L. proponere, propositum, to set forth, propose, propound; pro for, before + ponere to put. See Position, and cf. Provost.]1. To offer for consideration; to exhibit; to propose; as, to propound a question; to propound an argument. --Shak. And darest thou to the Son of God propound To worship thee, accursed? --Milton. It is strange folly to set ourselves no mark, to propound no end, in the hearing of the gospel. --Coleridge. 2. (Eccl.) To propose or name as a candidate for admission to communion with a church.
Re*pos"it\ (r[-e]*p[o^]z"[i^]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reposited; p. pr. & vb. n. Repositing.] [L. repositus, p. p. of reponere to put back; pref. re- re- + ponere to put. See Position.] To cause to rest or stay; to lay away; to lodge, as for safety or preservation; to place; to store. Others reposit their young in holes. --Derham.
Site\, n. [L. situs, fr. sinere, situm, to let, p. p. situs placed, lying, situate: cf. F. site. Cf. Position.]1. The place where anything is fixed; situation; local position; as, the site of a city or of a house. --Chaucer. 2. A place fitted or chosen for any certain permanent use or occupation; as, a site for a church. 3. The posture or position of a thing. [R.] The semblance of a lover fixed In melancholy site. --Thomson.
Su`per*po*si"tion\, n. [Cf. F. superposition. See Super-, and Position.] The act of superposing, or the state of being superposed; as, the superposition of rocks; the superposition of one plane figure on another, in geometry.
Sup`po*si"tion\, n. [F. supposition, L. suppositio a placing under, a substitution, fr. supponere, suppositium, to put under, to substitute. The word has the meaning corresponding to suppose. See Sub-, and Position.]1. The act of supposing, laying down, imagining, or considering as true or existing, what is known not to be true, or what is not proved. 2. That which is supposed; hypothesis; conjecture; surmise; opinion or belief without sufficient evidence. This is only an infallibility upon supposition that if a thing be true, it is imposible to be false. --Tillotson. He means are in supposition. --Shak.
Trans`po*si"tion\, n. [F. transposition, from L. transponere, transpositum, to set over, remove, transfer; trans across, over + ponere to place. See Position.] The act of transposing, or the state of being transposed. Specifically: (a) (Alg.) The bringing of any term of an equation from one side over to the other without destroying the equation. (b) (Gram.) A change of the natural order of words in a sentence; as, the Latin and Greek languages admit transposition, without inconvenience, to a much greater extent than the English. (c) (Mus.) A change of a composition into another key.
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