Pres`en*ta"tion (?), n. [L.
praesentatio a showing, representation: cf. F.
présentation.] 1. The act of
presenting, or the state of being presented; a setting forth; an
offering; bestowal.
Prayers are sometimes a presentation of mere
desires.
Hooker.
2. Hence, exhibition; representation; display;
appearance; semblance; show.
Under the presentation of the shoots his
wit.
Shak.
3. That which is presented or given; a
present; a gift, as, the picture was a presentation.
[R.]
4. (Eccl.) The act of offering a
clergyman to the bishop or ordinary for institution in a benefice; the
right of presenting a clergyman.
If the bishop admits the patron's presentation,
the clerk so admitted is next to be instituted by him.
Blackstone.
5. (Med.) The particular position of
the child during labor relatively to the passage though which it is to
be brought forth; -- specifically designated by the part which first
appears at the mouth of the uterus; as, a breech
presentation.
Presentation copy, a copy of a book,
engraving, etc., presented to some one by the author or artist, as a
token of regard.
