depose Meaning, Definition & Usage

De*pose" transitive verb

Etymology

FF. déposer, in the sense of L. deponere to put down; but from pref. dé- (L. de) + poser to place. See Pose, Pause.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Deposed ; present participle & verbal noun Deposing

Definitions

1. To lay down; to divest one's self of; to lay aside. Obs.

   Thus when the state one Edward did depose, A greater Edward in his room arose. Dryden.

2. To let fall; to deposit. Obs.

   Additional mud deposed upon it. Woodward.

3. To remove from a throne or other high station; to dethrone; to divest or deprive of office.

   A tyrant over his subjects, and therefore worthy to be deposed. Prynne.

4. To testify under oath; to bear testimony to; -- now usually said of bearing testimony which is officially written down for future use. Abbott.

   To depose the yearly rent or valuation of lands. Bacon.

5. To put under oath. Obs.

   Depose him in the justice of his cause. Shak.

De*pose" intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To bear witness; to testify under oath; to make deposition.

   Then, seeing't was he that made you to despose, Your oath, my lord, is vain and frivolous. Shak.