At"ti*tude (&?;), n. [It. attitudine,
LL. aptitudo, fr. L. aptus suited, fitted: cf. F.
attitude. Cf. Aptitude.] 1. (Paint. &
Sculp.) The posture, action, or disposition of a figure or
a statue.
2. The posture or position of a person or an
animal, or the manner in which the parts of his body are disposed; position
assumed or studied to serve a purpose; as, a threatening attitude;
an attitude of entreaty.
3. Fig.: Position as indicating action, feeling, or
mood; as, in times of trouble let a nation preserve a firm attitude;
one's mental attitude in respect to religion.
The attitude of the country was rapidly changing.
J. R. Green.
To strike an attitude, to take an attitude for
mere effect.
Syn. -- Attitude, Posture. Both of these words
describe the visible disposition of the limbs. Posture relates to
their position merely; attitude refers to their fitness for some
specific object. The object of an attitude is to set forth exhibit
some internal feeling; as, attitude of wonder, of admiration, of
grief, etc. It is, therefore, essentially and designedly
expressive. Its object is the same with that of gesture; viz., to
hold forth and represent. Posture has no such design. If we speak of
posture in prayer, or the posture of devotion, it is only the
natural disposition of the limbs, without any intention to show forth or
exhibit.
'T is business of a painter in his choice of
attitudes (posituræ) to foresee the effect and harmony
of the lights and shadows.
Dryden.
Never to keep the body in the same posture half an
hour at a time.
Bacon.
