‖ [ L. a (ab) + posterior latter. ] 1. (Logic) Characterizing that kind of reasoning which derives propositions from the observation of facts, or by generalizations from facts arrives at principles and definitions, or infers causes from effects. This is the reverse of a priori reasoning. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Philos.) Applied to knowledge which is based upon or derived from facts through induction or experiment; inductive or empirical. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } n. One whose occupation is to post handbills or posters in public places. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A large bedstead with tall posts at the corners to support a canopy or curtains. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n.; pl. L. Hyposterna E. Hyposternums [ Pref. hypo- + sternum. ] (Anat.) See Hypoplastron.

n. 1. A large bill or placard intended to be posted in public places. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who posts bills; a billposter. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who posts, or travels expeditiously; a courier. “Posters of the sea and land.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A post horse. “Posters at full gallop.” C. Lever. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. posterior, compar. of posterus coming after, from post after. See Post-. ] 1. Later in time; hence, later in the order of proceeding or moving; coming after; -- opposed to prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hesiod was posterior to Homer. Broome. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Situated behind; hinder; -- opposed to anterior. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Anat.) At or toward the caudal extremity; caudal; -- in human anatomy often used for dorsal. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Bot.) On the side next the axis of inflorescence; -- said of an axillary flower. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. postériorité. ] The state of being later or subsequent; as, posteriority of time, or of an event; -- opposed to priority. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. Subsequently in time; also, behind in position. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. pl. The hinder parts, as of an animal's body. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. posteritas: cf. F. postérité. See Posterior. ] 1. The race that proceeds from a progenitor; offspring to the furthest generation; the aggregate number of persons who are descended from an ancestor of a generation; descendants; -- contrasted with ancestry; as, the posterity of Abraham. [ 1913 Webster ]

If [ the crown ] should not stand in thy posterity. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Succeeding generations; future times. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Their names shall be transmitted to posterity. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Their names shall be transmitted to posterity. Smalridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OF. posterne, posterle, F. poterne, fr. L. posterula, fr. posterus coming after. See Posterior. ] 1. Originally, a back door or gate; a private entrance; hence, any small door or gate. [ 1913 Webster ]

He by a privy postern took his flight. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

Out at the postern, by the abbey wall. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fort.) A subterraneous passage communicating between the parade and the main ditch, or between the ditches and the interior of the outworks. Mahan. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Back; being behind; private. “The postern door.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

- (&unr_;). A combining form meaning posterior, back; as, postero-inferior, situated back and below; postero-lateral, situated back and at the side. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. praeposterus; prae before + posterus coming after, latter. See Posterior. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Having that first which ought to be last; inverted in order. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The method I take may be censured as preposterous, because I thus treat last of the antediluvian earth, which was first in the order of nature. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Contrary to nature or reason; not adapted to the end; utterly and glaringly foolish; unreasonably absurd; perverted. “Most preposterous conclusions.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Preposterous ass, that never read so far! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Absurd; perverted; wrong; irrational; foolish; monstrous. See Absurd. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Pre*pos"ter*ous*ly, adv. -Pre*pos"ter*ous*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]