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pose1 definition

pose (pōz)

transitive verb posed, posing pos′·ing

  1. to put forth; assert (a claim, argument, etc.)
  2. to put forward or propose (a question, problem, etc.)
  3. to put (a model, photographic subject, etc.) in a certain position or attitude

Etymology: ME posen < OFr poser, to put in position < VL pausare, to place, put < L, to stop (see pause): meaning and form altered by assoc. with L positus, pp. of ponere, to place, put: see position

intransitive verb

  1. to assume a certain position or attitude, as in modeling for an artist
  2. to strike attitudes for effect; attitudinize
  3. to pretend to be what one is not; set oneself up (as) to pose as an officer

noun

  1. a bodily attitude, esp. one held for or pictured by an artist, photographer, etc.
  2. a way of behaving or speaking that is assumed for effect; pretense

Etymology: Fr < the v.

pose2 definition

pose (pōz)

transitive verb posed, posing pos′·ing

to puzzle or disconcert, as by an almost unanswerable question; baffle

Etymology: aphetic for appose, oppose

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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