Prop`o*si"tion (?), n. [L. propositio: cf. F. proposition. See
Propound.] 1. The act of setting or placing before; the act of
offering. "Oblations for the altar of proposition." Jer. Taylor.
2. That which is proposed; that which is offered, as for consideration,
acceptance, or adoption; a proposal; as, the enemy made propositions of
peace; his proposition was not accepted.
3. A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed; as,
the propositions of Wyclif and Huss.
Some persons . . . change their propositions according as their
temporal necessities or advantages do turn.
Jer. Taylor.
4. (Gram. & Logic) A complete sentence, or part of a sentence
consisting of a subject and predicate united by a copula; a thought
expressed or propounded in language; a from of speech in which a
predicate is affirmed or denied of a subject; as, snow is white.
5. (Math.) A statement in terms of a truth to be demonstrated, or of an
operation to be performed.
It is called a theorem when it is something to be proved, and a problem
when it is something to be done.
6. (Rhet.) That which is offered or affirmed as the subject of the
discourse; anything stated or affirmed for discussion or illustration.
7. (Poetry) The part of a poem in which the author states the subject
or matter of it.
Leaves of proposition (Jewish Antiq.), the showbread. Wyclif (Luke vi.
4).
Syn. -- Proposal; offer; statement; declaration. -- Proposition,
Proposal. These words are both from the Latin verb proponere, to set
forth, and as here compared they mark different forms or stages of a
negotiation. A proposition is something presented for discussion or
consideration; as, propositions of peace. A proposal is some definite
thing offered by one party to be accepted or rejected by the other. If
the proposition is favorably received, it is usually followed by
proposals which complete the arrangement.
Prop`o*si"tion*al (?), a. Pertaining to, or in the nature of, a
proposition; considered as a proposition; as, a propositional sense. I.
Watts.
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.
Pro*pound"er (?), n. One who propounds, proposes, or offers for
consideration. Chillingworth.
Pro*pre"tor (?), n. [L. propraetor; pro for, before + praetor a
pretor.] (Rom. Antiq.) A magistrate who, having been pretor at home,
was appointed to the government of a province. [Written also
proprÊtor.]
Pro*pri"e*ta*ry (?), n.; pl. Proprietaries (#). [L. proprietarius: cf.
F. propriÈtaire. See Propriety, and cf. Proprietor.] 1. A proprietor or
owner; one who has exclusive title to a thing; one who possesses, or
holds the title to, a thing in his own right. Fuller.