a. Capable of being distended or dilated. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ From L. ostensus, p. p. of ostendere to show, prop., to stretch out before; fr. prefix obs- (old form of ob-) + tendere to stretch. See Tend. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Capable of being shown; proper or intended to be shown. [ R. ] Walpole. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Outwardly appearing to be; shown to be; exhibited; apparent; evident. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

3. Declared; avowed; professed; pretended; -- often used as opposed to real or actual; as, an ostensible reason, motive, or aim. D. Ramsay. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]