osten

n. The quality or state of being ostensible. [ 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 ]

adv. In an ostensible manner; avowedly; professedly; apparently. Walsh. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ostensibly, we were intended to prevent filibustering into Texas, but really as a menace to Mexico. U. S. Grant. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ostensio a showing: cf. F. ostension. See Ostend. ] (Eccl.) The showing of the sacrament on the altar in order that it may receive the adoration of the communicants. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Showing; exhibiting. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ostensive demonstration (Math.), a direct or positive demonstration, as opposed to the apagogical or indirect method. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an ostensive manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ ‖ } n.; pl. L. -soria E. -sories [ NL. ostensorium: cf. F. ostensoir. See Ostensible. ] (R. C. Ch.) Same as Monstrance. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ostentus, ostentum, fr. ostendere (p. p. ostensus and ostentus) to show. See Ostensible. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Appearance; air; mien. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Manifestation; token; portent. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

We asked of God that some ostent might clear
Our cloudy business, who gave us sign. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]