GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Posture , n. [F., fr. L. positura, fr. ponere, positum, to place. See Position.]
   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.
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   Atalanta, the posture of whose limbs was so lively expressed . . . one would have sworn the very picture had run.
   Sir P. Sidney.
   
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   In most strange postures
   We have seen him set himself.
   Shak.
   
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   The posture of a poetic figure is a description of his heroes in the performance of such or such an action.
   Dryden.
   
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   Place; position; situation. [Obs.]
   Milton.
   
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   His [man's] noblest posture and station in this world.
   Sir M. Hale.
   
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   State or condition, whether of external circumstances, or of internal feeling and will; disposition; mood; as, a posture of defense; the posture of affairs.
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   The several postures of his devout soul.
   Atterbury.
   
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   Syn. -- Attitude; position. See Attitude.
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2.       
   Posture , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Postured ; p. pr. & vb. n. Posturing.] To place in a particular position or attitude; to dispose the parts of, with reference to a particular purpose; as, to posture one's self; to posture a model.
   Howell.
   
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3.       
   Posture, v. i.
   To assume a particular posture or attitude; to contort the body into artificial attitudes, as an acrobat or contortionist; also, to pose.
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   Fig.: To assume a character; as, to posture as a saint.
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