Prop`o*si"tion (?), n. [L.
propositio: cf. F. proposition. See Propound.]
1. The act of setting or placing before; the act
of offering. "Oblations for the altar of proposition."
Jer. Taylor.
2. That which is proposed; that which is
offered, as for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; a proposal;
as, the enemy made propositions of peace; his
proposition was not accepted.
3. A statement of religious doctrine; an
article of faith; creed; as, the propositions of Wyclif and
Huss.
Some persons . . . change their propositions
according as their temporal necessities or advantages do
turn.
Jer. Taylor.
4. (Gram. & Logic) A complete sentence,
or part of a sentence consisting of a subject and predicate united by
a copula; a thought expressed or propounded in language; a from of
speech in which a predicate is affirmed or denied of a subject; as,
snow is white.
5. (Math.) A statement in terms of a
truth to be demonstrated, or of an operation to be
performed.
&fist; It is called a theorem when it is something to be
proved, and a problem when it is something to be done.
6. (Rhet.) That which is offered or
affirmed as the subject of the discourse; anything stated or affirmed
for discussion or illustration.
7. (Poetry) The part of a poem in which
the author states the subject or matter of it.
Leaves of proposition (Jewish Antiq.),
the showbread. Wyclif (Luke vi. 4).
Syn. -- Proposal; offer; statement; declaration. --
Proposition, Proposal. These words are both from the
Latin verb proponere, to set forth, and as here compared they
mark different forms or stages of a negotiation. A proposition
is something presented for discussion or consideration; as,
propositions of peace. A proposal is some definite thing
offered by one party to be accepted or rejected by the other. If the
proposition is favorably received, it is usually followed by
proposals which complete the arrangement.
