- Compose
- Compose Com*pose" (k[o^]m*p[=o]z"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Composed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Composing}.] [F. composer; com-
+ poser to place. The sense is that of L. componere, but the
origin is different. See {Pose}, v. t.]
1. To form by putting together two or more things or parts;
to put together; to make up; to fashion.
[1913 Webster]
Zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of all pious affection. --Bp. Sprat. [1913 Webster]
2. To form the substance of, or part of the substance of; to constitute. [1913 Webster]
Their borrowed gold composed The calf in Oreb. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
A few useful things . . . compose their intellectual possessions. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster]
3. To construct by mental labor; to design and execute, or put together, in a manner involving the adaptation of forms of expression to ideas, or to the laws of harmony or proportion; as, to compose a sentence, a sermon, a symphony, or a picture. [1913 Webster]
Let me compose Something in verse as well as prose. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
The genius that composed such works as the ``Standard'' and ``Last Supper''. --B. R. Haydon. [1913 Webster]
4. To dispose in proper form; to reduce to order; to put in proper state or condition; to adjust; to regulate. [1913 Webster]
In a peaceful grave my corpse compose. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
How in safety best we may Compose our present evils. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
5. To free from agitation or disturbance; to tranquilize; to soothe; to calm; to quiet. [1913 Webster]
Compose thy mind; Nor frauds are here contrived, nor force designed. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
6. (Print.) To arrange (types) in a composing stick in order for printing; to set (type). [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
