\The"sis\, n.; pl. {Theses}. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to
place, set. See {Do}, and cf. {Anathema}, {Apothecary},
{Epithet}, {Hypothesis}, {Parenthesis}, {Theme}, {Tick} a
cover.]
1. A position or proposition which a person advances and
   offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by
   argument.
2. Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or
   definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a
   candidate for a diploma or degree.
         I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime
         deportment they should assume upon this mystical
         occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of
         my own composing, to prepare them.    --Goldsmith.
3. (Logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition
   or hypothesis.
4. (Mus.) The accented part of the measure, expressed by the
   downward beat; -- the opposite of arsis.
5. (Pros.)
   (a) The depression of the voice in pronouncing the
       syllables of a word.
   (b) The part of the foot upon which such a depression
       falls.