pose 1
(pōz)v. posed, pos·ing, pos·es
v.tr.1. To set forth in words for consideration; propound:
pose a question. See Synonyms at
propose.
2. To present or constitute: a crisis that posed a threat to the country's stability.
3. To place (a model, for example) in a specific position.
v.intr.1. To assume or hold a particular position or posture, as in sitting for a portrait.
2. To represent oneself falsely; pretend to be other than what one is: conmen posing as police officers.
n.1. a. A bodily attitude or position, such as one assumed for an artist or a photographer. See Synonyms at
posture.
b. In yoga, an asana.
2. A studied or artificial manner or attitude, often assumed in an attempt to impress or deceive others. See Synonyms at
affectation.
[Middle English posen, to place, from Old French poser, from Vulgar Latin *pausāre, from Late Latin pausāre, to rest, from Latin pausa, pause; see pause.]
pos′a·ble adj.
pose 2
(pōz)tr.v. posed,
pos·ing,
pos·es Archaic To puzzle, confuse, or baffle.
[Short for appose, to examine closely (from Middle English apposen, alteration of opposen; see oppose) and from French poser, to assume (obsolete) (from Old French; see pose1).]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.