\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.
Note: 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.
Usage: {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.