Pos″ture (?; 135), n. [F., fr. L. positura, fr. ponere, positum, to place. See Position.] 1. The position of the body; the situation or disposition of the several parts of the body with respect to each other, or for a particular purpose; especially (Fine Arts), the position of a figure with regard to the several principal members by which action is expressed; attitude.
Atalanta, the posture of whose limbs was so lively expressed... one would have sworn the very picture had run. Sir P. Sidney.
In most strange postures
We have seen him set himself. Shak.
The posture of a poetic figure is a description of his heroes in the performance of such or such an action. Dryden.
2. Place; position; situation. Milton.
His noblest posture and station in this world. Sir M. Hale.
3. State or condition, whether of external circumstances, or of internal feeling and will; disposition; mood; as, a posture of defense; the posture of affairs.
The several postures of his devout soul. Atterbury.
Syn. — Attitude; position. See Attitude.