v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Composed p. pr. & vb. n. Composing. ] [ F. composer; com- + poser to place. The sense is that of L. componere, but the origin is different. See Pose, v. t. ] 1. To form by putting together two or more things or parts; to put together; to make up; to fashion. [ 1913 Webster ] Zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of all pious affection. Bp. Sprat. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To form the substance of, or part of the substance of; to constitute. [ 1913 Webster ] Their borrowed gold composed The calf in Oreb. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] A few useful things . . . compose their intellectual possessions. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To construct by mental labor; to design and execute, or put together, in a manner involving the adaptation of forms of expression to ideas, or to the laws of harmony or proportion; as, to compose a sentence, a sermon, a symphony, or a picture. [ 1913 Webster ] Let me compose Something in verse as well as prose. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] The genius that composed such works as the “Standard” and “Last Supper”. B. R. Haydon. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To dispose in proper form; to reduce to order; to put in proper state or condition; to adjust; to regulate. [ 1913 Webster ] In a peaceful grave my corpse compose. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] How in safety best we may Compose our present evils. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To free from agitation or disturbance; to tranquilize; to soothe; to calm; to quiet. [ 1913 Webster ] Compose thy mind; Nor frauds are here contrived, nor force designed. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Print.) To arrange (types) in a composing stick in order for printing; to set (type). [ 1913 Webster ] |