composev.

Brit.

/kəmˈpəʊz/, U.S.

/kəmˈpoʊz/

Etymology: < French compose-r (12th cent. in Littré), < com- together + poser to place, put down < Romanic posare = late Latin pausāre to cease, lie down, lay down, etc.: see pose v.¹, repose v.² Through form-association with inflections of Latin pōnĕre, posui, past participle positum, postum, Italian posto, Old French post, pos, and contact of sense, this -poser came to be treated as a synonym of Old French -pondre, and finally took its place in the compounds, so that composer to compose is now used instead of compondre to compone, compound, and naturally associated with compositor, composition, compost, etc., with which it has no connection in origin.

I. To put together, make up.

†1.

a. transitive. To make by putting together parts or elements: to make up, form, frame, fashion, construct, produce. Obsolete except in the special senses below.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > construct

workOE

dighta1175

to set upc1275

graitha1300

formc1300

pitchc1330

compoundc1374

to put togethera1387

performc1395

bigc1400

elementc1400

complexion1413

erect1417

framea1450

edifya1464

compose1481

construe1490

to lay together1530

perstruct1547

to piece together1572

condite1578

conflate1583

compile1590

to put together1591

to set together1603

draw1604

build1605

fabric1623

complicate1624

composit1640

constitute1646

compaginate1648

upa1658

complex1659

construct1663

structurate1664

structure1664

confect1677

to put up1699

rig1754

effect1791

structuralize1913

1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. xiii. 39 He [God] is the very Astronomyer..as he hym self that composed astronomye.

1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. avj/1 He dyd compose & do edyfye a cyte.

1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 35 Englande had..the arte to compose suche kynde of delicate Cloothe of golde, as Europe had not the lyke.

1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. ii. 173 His Helme: Were it a Caske compos'd by Vulcans skill My sword should bite it.

1691 W. Petty Treat. Naval Philos. in T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 127 The Art of..composing a Ship, not out of one but several thousand pieces of Wood and Iron.

1788 T. Reid Aristotle's Logic i. §1. 2 He [Aristotle] was the first we know, says Strabo, who composed a library.

†b. To fashion, frame (the human body, etc.); esp. in compounds. Obsolete.well-composed: see the first element.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > bodily shape or physique > [verb (transitive)]

compose1490

1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos ii. 15 His sone yolus..was soo fayr and so welle composed.

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. ii. 21 Franke Nature rather curious then in hast Hath well compos'd thee.

1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 279 Thy nose..is perfectly composed, and featured.

1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iv. vi. 195 Callipygæ and women largely composed behinde.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 111 Belial..seemd For dignity compos'd and high exploit.

1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iii. 36 So handsome, so well compos'd a man.

†2. To compound or mix (with). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)] > specific with something

mingeOE

allaya1425

compose1477

blend1591

to mix up1688

1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 69 Beuurages and drynkes sumptuous composed with spices.

3. Predicated of the elements; To constitute, make up; to be the constituents or material of.This construction seems to have come in as 1 became obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > be (part of) [verb (transitive)] > be the or a component(s) of

graitha1300

form1377

makea1393

compone1398

constitute1552

go1559

to make up1589

mould1602

compounda1616

integrate1638

elementate1660

compose1665

represent1776

comprise1794

account1893

1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xii. sig. Ee8^v Now that the Sun has..elevated this Water in the form of Vapours..we see it Composes a Cloud.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 483 Nor did Israel scape Th' infection when their borrow'd Gold compos'd The Calf in Oreb.

1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. 126 Insinuations, complaisance, and all those curious measures which compose the Art of winning hearts.

1733 A. Pope Ess. Man i. 30 See Worlds on Worlds compose one Universe.

1743 H. Fielding Jonathan Wild i. v, in Misc. III. 29 The same Inducements have often composed the Statesman and the Prig.

1799 Scotl. Described (ed. 2) 15 Granite, schistus, sand~stone..usually compose the strata of its rocks.

1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire iv. 51 The five or six great tribes or tribe-leagues which composed the German nation.

4. passive. To be made up, formed, compounded of (a material, or constituent elements); to be constituted; to consist of.Originally, and still in form, the passive of 1, the agent being left unexpressed. But now, practically, the passive of 3: the persons who compose a crowd are those of whom the crowd is composed.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > be composed of or consist of [verb (transitive)]

to be made ofa1200

to stand of ——a1393

to stand togetherc1475

remaina1525

compose?1541

subsist1549

to stand on ——1563

to consist of1565

to stand upon ——1601

to consist in1614

comprise1874

?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens ii. sig. Iiv The bladder..is composed of pannycles.

1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. i. 241 He is composde and framde of treacherie.

1641 R. Carpenter Experience, Hist., & Divinitie ii. xi. 208 Every man is composed of a man, and a beast.

1678 T. Sprat Serm. preached before King in Serm. (1710) 162 Zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of all pious affections.

a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) I. 18 Every part of nature is composed from similar materials.

1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 59 If an Assembly is viciously or feebly composed in a very great part of it.

1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. iv. 111 The spinal chord is composed of the same materials as the brain.

1857 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. I. xii. 657 A government composed of princes and bishops.

1875 W. S. Jevons Money (1878) 44 The first British currency was composed of tin.

a. spec. To construct (in words); to make or produce in literary form, to write as author.Formerly often = compile v. 1; now chiefly restricted to poetry, essays, or the like, in which original literary workmanship is the predominant feature. Write is commonly used of any treatise of which narrative, description, or discussion is the main purpose; but it is a lighter substitute for compose, even in reference to finished works of literary art.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)]

setc888

adighteOE

awriteeOE

writeeOE

dightc1000

workOE

makelOE

brevea1225

ditea1300

aditec1330

indite1340

betravail1387

compone1393

saya1475

compile1477

compose1483

comprise1485

recite1523

pen1530

contex1542

invent1576

author1597

context1628

to make up1630

spawn1631

society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > compose (poetry) [verb (transitive)]

to set up1607

compose1651

1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton 3 A short and prouffitable doctryne..the which is taken and composed upon the said book of Cathon.

1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. i. 3 Whiche he had composed and made in a boke.

1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 69 The Letter of Cupide, and the ballade..whiche Chaucer never composed.

1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxvi. 225 Poets..that composed Hymnes and other sorts of Poems.

?1667 S. Primatt title The City and County Purchaser and Builder. Composed by S. P. Gent.

1722 W. Sewel Hist. Quakers (1795) I. p. iv I was induced to compose an history.

1814 W. Wordsworth Excursion Pref. p. viii A determination to compose a philosophical Poem.

1832 R. Southey Hist. Peninsular War III. 556 The printed authorities from which the present history has been composed.

1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches I. 262 In the last year of his life he [Cicero] composed at least eight of his philosophical works.

b. absol.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > compose poetry [verb (intransitive)]

versec1000

rhymec1300

versify1377

makea1387

metrea1415

poetizea1586

compose1602

poetrize1602

sing1638

rhythm1655

poeticize1817

poesy1820

rune1832

society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > follow occupation of writer [verb (intransitive)] > compose

indite1377

informc1450

compose1602

perform1703

1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D2^v Yonders Horace..I thinke hee bee composing, as hee goes i'the streete.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1766 I. 280 [Johnson:] When composing, I have generally had them [sc. verses] in my mind, perhaps fifty at a time, walking up and down in my room; and then I have wrote them down.

18.. Crabbe (O.) Follow your calling, think the Muses foes Nor lean upon the pestle and compose.

1818 S. Parr Wks. (1828) VIII. 646 It is always easier to criticize than to compose.

1869 J. E. T. Rogers in A. Smith Inq. Wealth Nations (new ed.) I. Pref. 25 It is said that he composed with difficulty, and always with the services of an amanuensis.

a. Music. To invent and put into proper form.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > composing music > compose [verb (transitive)]

makelOE

compose1597

1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 182 Being inioyned to make a song, [he] wil do it so simplie as one would thinke a scholler of one yeares practise might easily compose a better.

1706 G. Farquhar Recruiting Officer Epil. This Piece of Musick..was compos'd by a famous Italian Master.

1795 W. Mason Ess. Eng. Church Music ii. 93 note King Henry composed a Motett beginning Quam Pulchra es.

1882 J. H. Shorthouse John Inglesant xxii He composed pieces for a single voice with accompaniment for Violins.

b. To set to music; to write music to.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > composing music > compose [verb (transitive)] > set to music

set1502

air1608

musicate1614

compose1685

melodize1881

music1897

musicalize1919

1662 S. Pepys Diary 11 Feb. (1970) III. 27 At night begun to compose songs, and begin with ‘Gaze not on Swans’.]

1685 J. Dryden Albion & Albanius Pref. sig. (b)2^v The English..are not..so Musical as the French, and yet they have been pleas'd already with the Tempest [an opera], and some pieces that follow'd, which were neither much better Written, nor so well Compos'd as this.

1841 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) II. i. 22 In the wish to find something Italian to compose.

1878 A. Roffe Handbk. Shaks. Mus. 27 These four lines of Hamlet have been composed by Mr. M. P. King in the form of the unaccompanied glee for three voices.

c. absol.

ΚΠ

1694 W. Holder Treat. Harmony iv. 78 Not intending to treat of Composing.

a1848 F. Marryat Valerie (1849) II. iii. 158 He is very talented, very musical, composes well.

1863 Ouseley in Guardian 18 Nov. 1082/2 Now it became for the first time possible to compose in the true sense of that term. No longer was music simply an enhancing adjunct to words.

7. Print. To put together (types) so as to form words and blocks of words; to set up (type); to set up (an article, a page) in type; also absol.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)]

set1530

compose1637

to set up1668

1637 Decree Starre-Chamber conc. Printing xxiv. sig. G2^v If any person..that is not allowed Printer..shall worke at any such Presse, or Set, or Compose any Letters to bee wrought by any such Presse.

1708 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 11 Apr. II. 102 They had 15 shillings per sheet for composing Pliny's Epistles.

1721 Royal Procl. 11 June in London Gaz. No. 5963/1 An Assistant to..Nathaniel Mist in composing for the Press.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1784 II. 517 The compositor was Mr. Manning..who had composed about one half of his ‘Dictionary’.

1882 W. Blades Life & Typogr. W. Caxton 108 The author procured..a fount of their Caxton types in pure lead, and composed a page of Caxton's ‘Chess Book’.

a. To put together (parts or elements) so as to make up a whole; spec. in artistic use, To arrange artistically the elements of a landscape or painting.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > arrange [verb (transitive)] > together or co-ordinately

collocate1548

condispose1617

co-order1678

compose1782

co-ordinate1837

ordinate1882

1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. v. 72 When matter was put into those figures by God,..at last he reduced it to order, each being conjoyned to one another, and composed in due proportion.

1659 T. Willsford Architectonice 27 Panes of glass (composed in Diamond cut).

1782 W. Gilpin Observ. River Wye (1789) 59 Shrubs artfully composed may have their elegance and beauty.

1828 H. Steuart Planter's Guide 298 With..taste and judgment, Bushes and stools of Copse-wood may be thus composed..naturally and beautifully.

1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. iv. 115 Symmetry without proportion is not composition... To compose is to arrange unequal things.

b. intransitive (for reflexive). To enter into composition; to admit of artistic grouping.

ΚΠ

1828 J. Elmes Metrop. Improvem. 45 The house..composes well with the adjoining mansions and small plantations.

c. transitive. To construct artistically. (Cf. 5, 6.)

ΚΠ

1663 [implied in: B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 23 The composing of a fit and easy Staires being a Masterpiece. (at composing n. 1)].

1844 J. H. Stocqueler Hand-bk. India 286 The plan was not copied from any other edifice, but was composed expressly for the purpose mentioned.

II. To arrange a dispute, conflict of claims, etc.

9. transitive. To settle, adjust, arrange.

a. discord or dissension, a dispute, difference, quarrel, war, disturbance, disorder, etc.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > settle (a dispute)

peasec1330

reconcilea1393

compone1523

compromit1537

compound1546

atone1555

to take up1560

compose1570

gree1570

accommodate1609

concoct1620

even1620

sopite1628

to make up1699

liquidate1765

resolve1875

1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 346/2 The controuersie ceased, and composed betwene these two: Otho the cardinall..beginneth his sermon.

a1600 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie viii. vii. §6 To compose the strife between him and his competitor.

a1727 I. Newton Chronol. Anc. Kingdoms Amended (1728) ii. 234 This war was at length composed by the intervention of Mercury.

1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. to Henry VII I. ix. 198 The king, with some difficulty, composed this difference.

1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) III. xiv. 206 For the present the tumult was composed.

b. contending or rebellious persons, a disturbed district.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > reconcile (people)

seema1000

saughtc1000

saughtela1122

accordlOE

i-sehtnec1175

saughtenc1175

to bring, make, set at onec1300

peasec1300

reconcilec1390

corda1400

pacifyc1500

agree1530

reconciliate1539

gree1570

atone1597

compose1597

even1620

to build bridges1886

1597 [implied in: Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas xv. 205 For the composing and attoneing of Christened kingdomes. (at composing n.)].

1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 6 What a stirre had Abraham to compose Sarah and Hagar to peace.

1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ii. 119 It is hard so to compose two Swarms of Bees in one Hive, but that they will fall out, and fight.

1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xix. 316 Labienus, with four legions, was sent to compose the country between Sens and Paris.

10.

a. To arrange (any matter) properly or successfully; to settle.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > conduct (an affair) > deal with (a matter) > specific manner > definitely or successfully

disponec1374

to deal with1469

compone1523

compose1569

dispose1590

to dispose ofa1616

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 70 That matter was sone composed by the king of England.

a1619 S. Daniel Coll. Hist. Eng. (1626) 96 [He] then goes..and composes this businesse with the King of France.

1875 Ld. Tennyson Queen Mary i. v. 44 It then remains..to compose the event [sc. Mary's marriage] In some such form as least may harm your Grace.

b. absol. To come to a composition or settlement.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > become at peace with each other [verb (intransitive)] > be reconciled to or come to agreement with another

to make peacea1350

compoundc1547

temporize1587

adjust1612

composea1616

accommodate1642

redintegrate1655

to come to1709

to split the difference1713

arrange1796

to mend (or look after) one's fences1959

a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. ii. 15 If we compose well heere, to Parthia.

†11. intransitive ? To make composition, to compound (for anything). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > compromise > [verb (intransitive)] > by accepting terms > involving payment

compone?a1500

compound1539

compose1605

1605 R. Verstegan Restit. Decayed Intelligence vi. 179 Such as had the good fortune to keep or compose for their own lyuelyhoods.

III. To adjust the body or mind to any attitude, esp. that of repose; to calm or quiet disturbance. [The later development has here apparently been influenced by association with the cognate repose v.², which retains much more of the original sense of pausāre ; in senses 15 – 17, esp., to compose is to adjust to a state of repose.]

12. transitive. To give some arrangement, attitude, or adjustment to; to ‘make up’ in a specified or understood way, or artificially. to compose oneself: to adopt an attitude, to dispose one's body, or features, in an appropriate manner.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > posture > place into or assume a posture [verb (transitive)]

setc1460

compose1606

posture1656

posturize1715

pose1826

the world > space > relative position > posture > assume a posture [verb (reflexive)]

to compose oneself1606

draw1662

the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > face with expression [verb (transitive)] > compose or set

compose1606

1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 146 Composing and dressing it [his face] at a looking-glasse..all manner of waies to seem more terrible.

1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 180 The stroake inflicted with the Hand thus composed, hath from antiquity..the name of Condyl.

1671 tr. A. de Courtin Rules Civility vii. 71 Composing our-selves with as much modesty as we may.

1673 tr. E. de Refuge Art of Complaisance i. 7 They appear more affected then yourself, and never fail to compose their countenances according to yours.

1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 60 How doth it [sc. Water] exactly compose itself to a level or equal Superficies.

1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xvii She..would have taken care to study and compose a face so as to be ready to suit the plea.

13.

a. To address or dispose (esp. the mind, oneself) calmly and collectedly to or for an action or state, or to do something; ‘to adjust the mind to any business by freeing it from disturbance’ (Johnson).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > calmness > compose or make calm [verb (transitive)] > to or for something

compose1614

1614 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. II. O.T. viii. 377 That he may the more easily compose himselfe to resist [Satan's onsets].

1650 J. Howell tr. A. Giraffi Massaniello i. 107 To sound the Shop Keepers, and compose them to see their slavery.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 596 Her also I..have calm'd.. and all her spirits compos'd To meek submission.

1716 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 21 Nov. (1965) I. 282 So much tir'd with fear and fatigue, it was not possible for me to compose my selfe to write.

1794 R. Southey Wat Tyler iii. i I would fain compose my thoughts for action.

†b. intransitive (for reflexive). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)]

saughtelc1400

breathe1485

pacify1509

settle1591

compose1663

to breathe freely (also easy, easily)1695

tranquillize1748

cool1836

simmer down1842

calm1877

relax1907

to cool it1952

to Zen out1968

mellow1974

to take a chill pill1981

chillax1994

1663 J. Spencer Disc. Prodigies v. 84 [They] tend to detain people always in a gazing and expecting posture, so that they compose not to the work and duty of the day.

c. In compose oneself to sleep there is a blending with following senses.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (reflexive)] > specific

oversleepa1450

couchc1550

sleep1565

compose oneself to sleep1709

the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (intransitive)] > go to sleep or fall asleep > lie or settle down to sleep

to couch a hog's head (also a cod's head)?1518

compose oneself to sleep1709

settle1896

1709 R. Steele & J. Addison Tatler No. 160. ⁋2 It was impossible for me to compose my self to sleep after two such unexpected Alarms.

1878 A. Brassey Voy. Sunbeam xxi. 361 They..composed themselves in the deck-house to sleep for the remainder of the night.

†14. To put in the proper state (for any purpose); to dispose, to order. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)]

yarec888

yarkc1000

graithc1175

readya1225

biredienc1275

to make yarec1290

forgraitha1300

adightc1330

buskc1330

purveyc1330

agraith1340

disposec1375

before-graithea1382

to forge and filec1381

to make readya1382

devisec1385

bounc1390

buss?a1400

address?a1425

parel?a1425

to get upc1425

providec1425

prepare1449

bakec1450

aready1470

arm?a1505

prevenea1522

get?1530

to get ready1530

to set in readiness1575

apply1577

compose1612

predy1627

make1637

to dispose of1655

do1660

fallowa1764

to line up1934

prep1936

tee1938

the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > prepare or put in order

tailc1330

ordain1340

disposec1375

appoint1393

fettlea1400

tifta1400

richc1400

tiffc1400

orderc1515

instruct1534

prune1586

compose1612

to make up1759

fix1783

1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. To Rdr. How the Lord composed my mind for the worke.

1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. viii. 401 The whole Army seem'd well composed to obtain that by their Swords, which they could not by their Pen.

15.

a. To set in proper order, or in a position of rest; to arrange, adjust; e.g. to set (the body) in the posture of sleep or repose. to compose one's countenance: to adjust the features so that they express no emotion. (Cf. composed adj. 4.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > posture > place into or assume a posture [verb (transitive)] > recumbent position or position of rest or repose

lie1387

compose1700

the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)] > compose face or appearance

to compose one's countenance1859

1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Palamon & Arcite iii, in Fables 65 At length in Sleep their Bodies they compose.

1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful iv. §19. 149 The whole body is composed, and the hands fall idly to the sides.

1785 W. Cowper Task ii. 446 First we stroke An eyebrow, next compose a straggling lock.

1813 W. Scott Rokeby i. ii. 5 Ere sleep [his] senses tied, Oft had he changed his weary side, Composed his limbs.

1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians ix He tried to compose his countenance as well as he could: it was impossible that he should explain to his hostess..why he was angry.

b. To lay out (a dead body).

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > death > disposal of corpse > preparation or treatment of corpse > prepare corpse [verb (transitive)] > lay out

stretcha1225

streek1303

to lay out1595

composea1677

straight1725

stroke1898

a1677 I. Barrow Of Love of God (1680) 279 Pompey..was beholden at last to a slave for the composing his ashes, and celebrating his funeral obsequies.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 377 And in a peaceful Grave my Corps compose.

1717 A. Pope Elegy Unfortunate Lady in Wks. 360 By foreign hands thy decent limbs compos'd.

1814 R. Southey Roderick ii No Christian hands Were here who should compose his decent corpse.

†c. figurative. To make seemly and orderly (in manners, behaviour, etc.). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > behave well towards [verb (transitive)] > make seemly in behaviour

composea1631

a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1954) VII. 323 By composing our manners, and rectifying our life and conversation.

1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. i. 46 One.., who took more care to frame an oration, then to compose his life.

16. To make calm or quiet (a physical disturbance, noise, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > make quiet or tranquil [verb (transitive)]

still1300

peasec1350

accoya1375

coyc1374

lullc1386

quiet1423

acquieta1535

calm1559

becalm1613

compose1615

slumber1622

unruffle1629

quieten1759

bestill1760

quietize1791

peace1864

1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 207 The windes fauourable, and the seas composed.

1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 139 They..had Power to still and compose it [sc. the Water], as well as to disturb it.

a1721 M. Prior Dove 93 To compose this midnight noise.

17.

a. To calm, pacify, tranquillize (the thoughts, spirits, emotions). Frequently reflexive and in passive.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > calmness > compose or make calm [verb (transitive)]

softa1225

stilla1325

coolc1330

accoya1375

appeasec1374

attemperc1386

lullc1386

quieta1398

peasea1400

amesec1400

assuagec1400

mesec1400

soberc1430

modify?a1439

establish1477

pacify1484

pacify1515

unbrace?1526

settle1530

steady1530

allay1550

calm1559

compromitc1574

restore1582

recollect1587

serenize1598

smooth1604

compose1607

recompose1611

becalm1613

besoothe1614

unprovokea1616

halcyon1616

unstrain1616

leniate1622

tranquillize1623

unperplexa1631

belull1631

sedate1646

unmaze1647

assopiatea1649

serenate1654

serene1654

tranquillify1683

soothe1697

unalarm1722

reserene1755

quietize1791

peacify1845

quieten1853

conjure1856

peace1864

disfever1880

patise1891

de-tension1961

mellow1974

the mind > emotion > calmness > compose oneself [verb (reflexive)]

stilla1325

spakea1400

amesec1400

soft?a1500

stay1537

recollect1595

collect1602

compose1607

recompose1611

to reassume oneself1635

relax1685

summon1745

mellow1974

centre1980

1607 T. Dekker Whore of Babylon sig. I4 Contract thy spirits togither, be compos'd.

1688 T. Shadwell Squire of Alsatia v. i. 84 If you are not quiet you shall never see her more... I'll strive to compose my self.

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 324 He said..kind tender things to me, to compose me and bring me to my self.

1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 305 Reflections such as..Compose the passions, and exalt the mind.

1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxxiii. 364 I heard him ask her to compose herself, for what a situation it was, if any body should come.

1873 M. Oliphant Innocent II. i. 20 For Heaven's sake, Amanda, compose yourself—Do you want to make a scene?

b. To tranquillize through the senses or nerves.

ΚΠ

1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §86 I have known tar-water procure sleep and compose the spirits in cruel vigils.

1861 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (new ed.) iv. 34 A good nurse can apply hot bottles to the feet..hour by hour, without disturbing, but rather composing the patient.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	compose
释义	† composen. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: compose v. Etymology: < compose v. Compare earlier composition n., compost n.¹ Obsolete. = composition n., compost n.¹ Cf. compass n.² ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > [noun] > a mixture > a preparation made by mixing confectiona1387 mixtiona1398 composition1555 compose1581 commistion1609 concocture1612 compositum1652 concoctiona1851 the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > preparation of land or soil > fertilizing or manuring > [noun] > composting > compost compass1580 compose1581 compost1587 composturea1616 compasture1627 1581 A. Anderson Serm. Paules Crosse 103 Remoue the hindering matter from the roote of the Fig tree, and lay compose to moisten, supple, and comforte the life therof..Lay to the roote..that dung or compose. 1603 S. Harsnett Declar. Popish Impostures 45 And this..is the mysterie of your sweet Compose, to fume a Devill out at a mans nose like the smoake of Tobacco. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2021). composev. Brit. /kəmˈpəʊz/, U.S. /kəmˈpoʊz/ Etymology: < French compose-r (12th cent. in Littré), < com- together + poser to place, put down < Romanic posare = late Latin pausāre to cease, lie down, lay down, etc.: see pose v.¹, repose v.² Through form-association with inflections of Latin pōnĕre, posui, past participle positum, postum, Italian posto, Old French post, pos, and contact of sense, this -poser came to be treated as a synonym of Old French -pondre, and finally took its place in the compounds, so that composer to compose is now used instead of compondre to compone, compound, and naturally associated with compositor, composition, compost, etc., with which it has no connection in origin. I. To put together, make up. †1. a. transitive. To make by putting together parts or elements: to make up, form, frame, fashion, construct, produce. Obsolete except in the special senses below. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > construct workOE dighta1175 to set upc1275 graitha1300 formc1300 pitchc1330 compoundc1374 to put togethera1387 performc1395 bigc1400 elementc1400 complexion1413 erect1417 framea1450 edifya1464 compose1481 construe1490 to lay together1530 perstruct1547 to piece together1572 condite1578 conflate1583 compile1590 to put together1591 to set together1603 draw1604 build1605 fabric1623 complicate1624 composit1640 constitute1646 compaginate1648 upa1658 complex1659 construct1663 structurate1664 structure1664 confect1677 to put up1699 rig1754 effect1791 structuralize1913 1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. xiii. 39 He [God] is the very Astronomyer..as he hym self that composed astronomye. 1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. avj/1 He dyd compose & do edyfye a cyte. 1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 35 Englande had..the arte to compose suche kynde of delicate Cloothe of golde, as Europe had not the lyke. 1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. ii. 173 His Helme: Were it a Caske compos'd by Vulcans skill My sword should bite it. View more context for this quotation 1691 W. Petty Treat. Naval Philos. in T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 127 The Art of..composing a Ship, not out of one but several thousand pieces of Wood and Iron. 1788 T. Reid Aristotle's Logic i. §1. 2 He [Aristotle] was the first we know, says Strabo, who composed a library. †b. To fashion, frame (the human body, etc.); esp. in compounds. Obsolete.well-composed: see the first element. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > bodily shape or physique > [verb (transitive)] compose1490 1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos ii. 15 His sone yolus..was soo fayr and so welle composed. a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. ii. 21 Franke Nature rather curious then in hast Hath well compos'd thee. View more context for this quotation 1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 279 Thy nose..is perfectly composed, and featured. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iv. vi. 195 Callipygæ and women largely composed behinde. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 111 Belial..seemd For dignity compos'd and high exploit. View more context for this quotation 1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iii. 36 So handsome, so well compos'd a man. †2. To compound or mix (with). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)] > specific with something mingeOE allaya1425 compose1477 blend1591 to mix up1688 1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 69 Beuurages and drynkes sumptuous composed with spices. 3. Predicated of the elements; To constitute, make up; to be the constituents or material of.This construction seems to have come in as 1 became obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > be (part of) [verb (transitive)] > be the or a component(s) of graitha1300 form1377 makea1393 compone1398 constitute1552 go1559 to make up1589 mould1602 compounda1616 integrate1638 elementate1660 compose1665 represent1776 comprise1794 account1893 1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xii. sig. Ee8^v Now that the Sun has..elevated this Water in the form of Vapours..we see it Composes a Cloud. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 483 Nor did Israel scape Th' infection when their borrow'd Gold compos'd The Calf in Oreb. View more context for this quotation 1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. 126 Insinuations, complaisance, and all those curious measures which compose the Art of winning hearts. 1733 A. Pope Ess. Man i. 30 See Worlds on Worlds compose one Universe. 1743 H. Fielding Jonathan Wild i. v, in Misc. III. 29 The same Inducements have often composed the Statesman and the Prig. 1799 Scotl. Described (ed. 2) 15 Granite, schistus, sand~stone..usually compose the strata of its rocks. 1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire iv. 51 The five or six great tribes or tribe-leagues which composed the German nation. 4. passive. To be made up, formed, compounded of (a material, or constituent elements); to be constituted; to consist of.Originally, and still in form, the passive of 1, the agent being left unexpressed. But now, practically, the passive of 3: the persons who compose a crowd are those of whom the crowd is composed. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > be composed of or consist of [verb (transitive)] to be made ofa1200 to stand of ——a1393 to stand togetherc1475 remaina1525 compose?1541 subsist1549 to stand on ——1563 to consist of1565 to stand upon ——1601 to consist in1614 comprise1874 ?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens ii. sig. Iiv The bladder..is composed of pannycles. 1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. i. 241 He is composde and framde of treacherie. View more context for this quotation 1641 R. Carpenter Experience, Hist., & Divinitie ii. xi. 208 Every man is composed of a man, and a beast. 1678 T. Sprat Serm. preached before King in Serm. (1710) 162 Zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of all pious affections. a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) I. 18 Every part of nature is composed from similar materials. 1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 59 If an Assembly is viciously or feebly composed in a very great part of it. View more context for this quotation 1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. iv. 111 The spinal chord is composed of the same materials as the brain. 1857 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. I. xii. 657 A government composed of princes and bishops. 1875 W. S. Jevons Money (1878) 44 The first British currency was composed of tin. 5. a. spec. To construct (in words); to make or produce in literary form, to write as author.Formerly often = compile v. 1; now chiefly restricted to poetry, essays, or the like, in which original literary workmanship is the predominant feature. Write is commonly used of any treatise of which narrative, description, or discussion is the main purpose; but it is a lighter substitute for compose, even in reference to finished works of literary art. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)] setc888 adighteOE awriteeOE writeeOE dightc1000 workOE makelOE brevea1225 ditea1300 aditec1330 indite1340 betravail1387 compone1393 saya1475 compile1477 compose1483 comprise1485 recite1523 pen1530 contex1542 invent1576 author1597 context1628 to make up1630 spawn1631 society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > compose (poetry) [verb (transitive)] to set up1607 compose1651 1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton 3 A short and prouffitable doctryne..the which is taken and composed upon the said book of Cathon. 1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. i. 3 Whiche he had composed and made in a boke. 1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 69 The Letter of Cupide, and the ballade..whiche Chaucer never composed. 1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxvi. 225 Poets..that composed Hymnes and other sorts of Poems. ?1667 S. Primatt title The City and County Purchaser and Builder. Composed by S. P. Gent. 1722 W. Sewel Hist. Quakers (1795) I. p. iv I was induced to compose an history. 1814 W. Wordsworth Excursion Pref. p. viii A determination to compose a philosophical Poem. 1832 R. Southey Hist. Peninsular War III. 556 The printed authorities from which the present history has been composed. 1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches I. 262 In the last year of his life he [Cicero] composed at least eight of his philosophical works. b. absol. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > poetry > compose poetry [verb (intransitive)] versec1000 rhymec1300 versify1377 makea1387 metrea1415 poetizea1586 compose1602 poetrize1602 sing1638 rhythm1655 poeticize1817 poesy1820 rune1832 society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > follow occupation of writer [verb (intransitive)] > compose indite1377 informc1450 compose1602 perform1703 1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D2^v Yonders Horace..I thinke hee bee composing, as hee goes i'the streete. View more context for this quotation 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1766 I. 280 [Johnson:] When composing, I have generally had them [sc. verses] in my mind, perhaps fifty at a time, walking up and down in my room; and then I have wrote them down. 18.. Crabbe (O.) Follow your calling, think the Muses foes Nor lean upon the pestle and compose. 1818 S. Parr Wks. (1828) VIII. 646 It is always easier to criticize than to compose. 1869 J. E. T. Rogers in A. Smith Inq. Wealth Nations (new ed.) I. Pref. 25 It is said that he composed with difficulty, and always with the services of an amanuensis. 6. a. Music. To invent and put into proper form. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > composing music > compose [verb (transitive)] makelOE compose1597 1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 182 Being inioyned to make a song, [he] wil do it so simplie as one would thinke a scholler of one yeares practise might easily compose a better. 1706 G. Farquhar Recruiting Officer Epil. This Piece of Musick..was compos'd by a famous Italian Master. 1795 W. Mason Ess. Eng. Church Music ii. 93 note King Henry composed a Motett beginning Quam Pulchra es. 1882 J. H. Shorthouse John Inglesant xxii He composed pieces for a single voice with accompaniment for Violins. b. To set to music; to write music to. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > composing music > compose [verb (transitive)] > set to music set1502 air1608 musicate1614 compose1685 melodize1881 music1897 musicalize1919 1662 S. Pepys Diary 11 Feb. (1970) III. 27 At night begun to compose songs, and begin with ‘Gaze not on Swans’.] 1685 J. Dryden Albion & Albanius Pref. sig. (b)2^v The English..are not..so Musical as the French, and yet they have been pleas'd already with the Tempest [an opera], and some pieces that follow'd, which were neither much better Written, nor so well Compos'd as this. 1841 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) II. i. 22 In the wish to find something Italian to compose. 1878 A. Roffe Handbk. Shaks. Mus. 27 These four lines of Hamlet have been composed by Mr. M. P. King in the form of the unaccompanied glee for three voices. c. absol. ΚΠ 1694 W. Holder Treat. Harmony iv. 78 Not intending to treat of Composing. a1848 F. Marryat Valerie (1849) II. iii. 158 He is very talented, very musical, composes well. 1863 Ouseley in Guardian 18 Nov. 1082/2 Now it became for the first time possible to compose in the true sense of that term. No longer was music simply an enhancing adjunct to words. 7. Print. To put together (types) so as to form words and blocks of words; to set up (type); to set up (an article, a page) in type; also absol. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] set1530 compose1637 to set up1668 1637 Decree Starre-Chamber conc. Printing xxiv. sig. G2^v If any person..that is not allowed Printer..shall worke at any such Presse, or Set, or Compose any Letters to bee wrought by any such Presse. 1708 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 11 Apr. II. 102 They had 15 shillings per sheet for composing Pliny's Epistles. 1721 Royal Procl. 11 June in London Gaz. No. 5963/1 An Assistant to..Nathaniel Mist in composing for the Press. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1784 II. 517 The compositor was Mr. Manning..who had composed about one half of his ‘Dictionary’. 1882 W. Blades Life & Typogr. W. Caxton 108 The author procured..a fount of their Caxton types in pure lead, and composed a page of Caxton's ‘Chess Book’. 8. a. To put together (parts or elements) so as to make up a whole; spec. in artistic use, To arrange artistically the elements of a landscape or painting. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > arrange [verb (transitive)] > together or co-ordinately collocate1548 condispose1617 co-order1678 compose1782 co-ordinate1837 ordinate1882 1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. v. 72 When matter was put into those figures by God,..at last he reduced it to order, each being conjoyned to one another, and composed in due proportion. 1659 T. Willsford Architectonice 27 Panes of glass (composed in Diamond cut). 1782 W. Gilpin Observ. River Wye (1789) 59 Shrubs artfully composed may have their elegance and beauty. 1828 H. Steuart Planter's Guide 298 With..taste and judgment, Bushes and stools of Copse-wood may be thus composed..naturally and beautifully. 1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. iv. 115 Symmetry without proportion is not composition... To compose is to arrange unequal things. b. intransitive (for reflexive). To enter into composition; to admit of artistic grouping. ΚΠ 1828 J. Elmes Metrop. Improvem. 45 The house..composes well with the adjoining mansions and small plantations. c. transitive. To construct artistically. (Cf. 5, 6.) ΚΠ 1663 [implied in: B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 23 The composing of a fit and easy Staires being a Masterpiece. (at composing n. 1)]. 1844 J. H. Stocqueler Hand-bk. India 286 The plan was not copied from any other edifice, but was composed expressly for the purpose mentioned. II. To arrange a dispute, conflict of claims, etc. 9. transitive. To settle, adjust, arrange. a. discord or dissension, a dispute, difference, quarrel, war, disturbance, disorder, etc. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > settle (a dispute) peasec1330 reconcilea1393 compone1523 compromit1537 compound1546 atone1555 to take up1560 compose1570 gree1570 accommodate1609 concoct1620 even1620 sopite1628 to make up1699 liquidate1765 resolve1875 1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 346/2 The controuersie ceased, and composed betwene these two: Otho the cardinall..beginneth his sermon. a1600 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie viii. vii. §6 To compose the strife between him and his competitor. a1727 I. Newton Chronol. Anc. Kingdoms Amended (1728) ii. 234 This war was at length composed by the intervention of Mercury. 1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. to Henry VII I. ix. 198 The king, with some difficulty, composed this difference. 1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) III. xiv. 206 For the present the tumult was composed. b. contending or rebellious persons, a disturbed district. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > reconcile (people) seema1000 saughtc1000 saughtela1122 accordlOE i-sehtnec1175 saughtenc1175 to bring, make, set at onec1300 peasec1300 reconcilec1390 corda1400 pacifyc1500 agree1530 reconciliate1539 gree1570 atone1597 compose1597 even1620 to build bridges1886 1597 [implied in: Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas xv. 205 For the composing and attoneing of Christened kingdomes. (at composing n.)]. 1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus i. 6 What a stirre had Abraham to compose Sarah and Hagar to peace. 1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ii. 119 It is hard so to compose two Swarms of Bees in one Hive, but that they will fall out, and fight. 1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xix. 316 Labienus, with four legions, was sent to compose the country between Sens and Paris. 10. a. To arrange (any matter) properly or successfully; to settle. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > conduct (an affair) > deal with (a matter) > specific manner > definitely or successfully disponec1374 to deal with1469 compone1523 compose1569 dispose1590 to dispose ofa1616 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 70 That matter was sone composed by the king of England. a1619 S. Daniel Coll. Hist. Eng. (1626) 96 [He] then goes..and composes this businesse with the King of France. 1875 Ld. Tennyson Queen Mary i. v. 44 It then remains..to compose the event [sc. Mary's marriage] In some such form as least may harm your Grace. b. absol. To come to a composition or settlement. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > become at peace with each other [verb (intransitive)] > be reconciled to or come to agreement with another to make peacea1350 compoundc1547 temporize1587 adjust1612 composea1616 accommodate1642 redintegrate1655 to come to1709 to split the difference1713 arrange1796 to mend (or look after) one's fences1959 a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. ii. 15 If we compose well heere, to Parthia. View more context for this quotation †11. intransitive ? To make composition, to compound (for anything). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > compromise > [verb (intransitive)] > by accepting terms > involving payment compone?a1500 compound1539 compose1605 1605 R. Verstegan Restit. Decayed Intelligence vi. 179 Such as had the good fortune to keep or compose for their own lyuelyhoods. III. To adjust the body or mind to any attitude, esp. that of repose; to calm or quiet disturbance. [The later development has here apparently been influenced by association with the cognate repose v.², which retains much more of the original sense of pausāre ; in senses 15 – 17, esp., to compose is to adjust to a state of repose.] 12. transitive. To give some arrangement, attitude, or adjustment to; to ‘make up’ in a specified or understood way, or artificially. to compose oneself: to adopt an attitude, to dispose one's body, or features, in an appropriate manner. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > posture > place into or assume a posture [verb (transitive)] setc1460 compose1606 posture1656 posturize1715 pose1826 the world > space > relative position > posture > assume a posture [verb (reflexive)] to compose oneself1606 draw1662 the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > face with expression [verb (transitive)] > compose or set compose1606 1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 146 Composing and dressing it [his face] at a looking-glasse..all manner of waies to seem more terrible. 1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 180 The stroake inflicted with the Hand thus composed, hath from antiquity..the name of Condyl. 1671 tr. A. de Courtin Rules Civility vii. 71 Composing our-selves with as much modesty as we may. 1673 tr. E. de Refuge Art of Complaisance i. 7 They appear more affected then yourself, and never fail to compose their countenances according to yours. 1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 60 How doth it [sc. Water] exactly compose itself to a level or equal Superficies. 1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xvii She..would have taken care to study and compose a face so as to be ready to suit the plea. 13. a. To address or dispose (esp. the mind, oneself) calmly and collectedly to or for an action or state, or to do something; ‘to adjust the mind to any business by freeing it from disturbance’ (Johnson). ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > calmness > compose or make calm [verb (transitive)] > to or for something compose1614 1614 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. II. O.T. viii. 377 That he may the more easily compose himselfe to resist [Satan's onsets]. 1650 J. Howell tr. A. Giraffi Massaniello i. 107 To sound the Shop Keepers, and compose them to see their slavery. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 596 Her also I..have calm'd.. and all her spirits compos'd To meek submission. View more context for this quotation 1716 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 21 Nov. (1965) I. 282 So much tir'd with fear and fatigue, it was not possible for me to compose my selfe to write. 1794 R. Southey Wat Tyler iii. i I would fain compose my thoughts for action. †b. intransitive (for reflexive). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)] saughtelc1400 breathe1485 pacify1509 settle1591 compose1663 to breathe freely (also easy, easily)1695 tranquillize1748 cool1836 simmer down1842 calm1877 relax1907 to cool it1952 to Zen out1968 mellow1974 to take a chill pill1981 chillax1994 1663 J. Spencer Disc. Prodigies v. 84 [They] tend to detain people always in a gazing and expecting posture, so that they compose not to the work and duty of the day. c. In compose oneself to sleep there is a blending with following senses. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (reflexive)] > specific oversleepa1450 couchc1550 sleep1565 compose oneself to sleep1709 the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (intransitive)] > go to sleep or fall asleep > lie or settle down to sleep to couch a hog's head (also a cod's head)?1518 compose oneself to sleep1709 settle1896 1709 R. Steele & J. Addison Tatler No. 160. ⁋2 It was impossible for me to compose my self to sleep after two such unexpected Alarms. 1878 A. Brassey Voy. Sunbeam xxi. 361 They..composed themselves in the deck-house to sleep for the remainder of the night. †14. To put in the proper state (for any purpose); to dispose, to order. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] yarec888 yarkc1000 graithc1175 readya1225 biredienc1275 to make yarec1290 forgraitha1300 adightc1330 buskc1330 purveyc1330 agraith1340 disposec1375 before-graithea1382 to forge and filec1381 to make readya1382 devisec1385 bounc1390 buss?a1400 address?a1425 parel?a1425 to get upc1425 providec1425 prepare1449 bakec1450 aready1470 arm?a1505 prevenea1522 get?1530 to get ready1530 to get ready1530 to set in readiness1575 apply1577 compose1612 predy1627 make1637 to dispose of1655 do1660 fallowa1764 to line up1934 prep1936 tee1938 the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > prepare or put in order tailc1330 ordain1340 disposec1375 appoint1393 fettlea1400 tifta1400 richc1400 tiffc1400 orderc1515 instruct1534 prune1586 compose1612 to make up1759 fix1783 1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. To Rdr. How the Lord composed my mind for the worke. 1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. viii. 401 The whole Army seem'd well composed to obtain that by their Swords, which they could not by their Pen. 15. a. To set in proper order, or in a position of rest; to arrange, adjust; e.g. to set (the body) in the posture of sleep or repose. to compose one's countenance: to adjust the features so that they express no emotion. (Cf. composed adj. 4.) ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > posture > place into or assume a posture [verb (transitive)] > recumbent position or position of rest or repose lie1387 compose1700 the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)] > compose face or appearance to compose one's countenance1859 1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Palamon & Arcite iii, in Fables 65 At length in Sleep their Bodies they compose. 1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful iv. §19. 149 The whole body is composed, and the hands fall idly to the sides. 1785 W. Cowper Task ii. 446 First we stroke An eyebrow, next compose a straggling lock. 1813 W. Scott Rokeby i. ii. 5 Ere sleep [his] senses tied, Oft had he changed his weary side, Composed his limbs. 1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians ix He tried to compose his countenance as well as he could: it was impossible that he should explain to his hostess..why he was angry. b. To lay out (a dead body). ΘΚΠ the world > life > death > disposal of corpse > preparation or treatment of corpse > prepare corpse [verb (transitive)] > lay out stretcha1225 streek1303 to lay out1595 composea1677 straight1725 stroke1898 a1677 I. Barrow Of Love of God (1680) 279 Pompey..was beholden at last to a slave for the composing his ashes, and celebrating his funeral obsequies. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 377 And in a peaceful Grave my Corps compose. 1717 A. Pope Elegy Unfortunate Lady in Wks. 360 By foreign hands thy decent limbs compos'd. 1814 R. Southey Roderick ii No Christian hands Were here who should compose his decent corpse. †c. figurative. To make seemly and orderly (in manners, behaviour, etc.). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > behave well towards [verb (transitive)] > make seemly in behaviour composea1631 a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1954) VII. 323 By composing our manners, and rectifying our life and conversation. 1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. i. 46 One.., who took more care to frame an oration, then to compose his life. 16. To make calm or quiet (a physical disturbance, noise, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > inaction > quietness or tranquillity > make quiet or tranquil [verb (transitive)] still1300 peasec1350 accoya1375 coyc1374 lullc1386 quiet1423 acquieta1535 calm1559 becalm1613 compose1615 slumber1622 unruffle1629 quieten1759 bestill1760 quietize1791 peace1864 1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 207 The windes fauourable, and the seas composed. 1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 139 They..had Power to still and compose it [sc. the Water], as well as to disturb it. a1721 M. Prior Dove 93 To compose this midnight noise. 17. a. To calm, pacify, tranquillize (the thoughts, spirits, emotions). Frequently reflexive and in passive. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > calmness > compose or make calm [verb (transitive)] softa1225 stilla1325 coolc1330 accoya1375 appeasec1374 attemperc1386 lullc1386 quieta1398 peasea1400 amesec1400 assuagec1400 mesec1400 soberc1430 modify?a1439 establish1477 establish1477 pacify1484 pacify1515 unbrace?1526 settle1530 steady1530 allay1550 calm1559 compromitc1574 restore1582 recollect1587 serenize1598 smooth1604 compose1607 recompose1611 becalm1613 besoothe1614 unprovokea1616 halcyon1616 unstrain1616 leniate1622 tranquillize1623 unperplexa1631 belull1631 sedate1646 unmaze1647 assopiatea1649 serenate1654 serene1654 tranquillify1683 soothe1697 unalarm1722 reserene1755 quietize1791 peacify1845 quieten1853 conjure1856 peace1864 disfever1880 patise1891 de-tension1961 mellow1974 the mind > emotion > calmness > compose oneself [verb (reflexive)] stilla1325 spakea1400 amesec1400 soft?a1500 stay1537 recollect1595 collect1602 compose1607 recompose1611 to reassume oneself1635 relax1685 summon1745 mellow1974 centre1980 1607 T. Dekker Whore of Babylon sig. I4 Contract thy spirits togither, be compos'd. 1688 T. Shadwell Squire of Alsatia v. i. 84 If you are not quiet you shall never see her more... I'll strive to compose my self. 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 324 He said..kind tender things to me, to compose me and bring me to my self. 1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 305 Reflections such as..Compose the passions, and exalt the mind. 1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxxiii. 364 I heard him ask her to compose herself, for what a situation it was, if any body should come. 1873 M. Oliphant Innocent II. i. 20 For Heaven's sake, Amanda, compose yourself—Do you want to make a scene? b. To tranquillize through the senses or nerves. ΚΠ 1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §86 I have known tar-water procure sleep and compose the spirits in cruel vigils. 1861 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (new ed.) iv. 34 A good nurse can apply hot bottles to the feet..hour by hour, without disturbing, but rather composing the patient. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.1581v.1477
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