com·pose   (kəm-pōz')    v.   com·posed, com·pos·ing, com·pos·es v.   tr. To make up the constituent parts of; constitute or form: an exhibit composed of French paintings; the many ethnic groups that compose our nation. See Usage Note at comprise. To make or create by putting together parts or elements. To create or produce (a literary or musical piece). To make (oneself) calm or tranquil: Compose yourself and deal with the problems logically. To settle or adjust; reconcile: They managed to compose their differences. To arrange aesthetically or artistically. Printing To arrange or set (type or matter to be printed). v.   intr. To create a literary or musical piece. Printing To set type. [Middle English composen, from Old French composer, alteration (influenced by poser, to put, place) of Latin compōnere; see component.]

Composing

Com*pos"ing\, a. 1. Tending to compose or soothe.

2. Pertaining to, or used in, composition.

Composing frame (Print.), a stand for holding cases of type when in use.

Composing rule (Print.), a thin slip of brass or steel, against which the type is arranged in a composing stick, or by the aid of which stickfuls or handfuls or type are lifted; -- called also setting rule.

Composing stick (Print.), an instrument usually of metal, which the compositor holds in his left hand, and in which he arranges the type in words and lines. It has one open side, and one adjustable end by means of which the length of the lines, and consequently the width of the page or column, may be determined.