Dictionary entry

Preposterous

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pre‐pos″ter‐ous (?), a. [L. praeposterus; prae before + posterus coming after, latter. See Posterior.]

1. Having that first which ought to be last; inverted in order.

The method I take may be censured as preposterous, because I thus treat last of the antediluvian earth, which was first in the order of nature. Woodward.

2. Contrary to nature or reason; not adapted to the end; utterly and glaringly foolish; unreasonably absurd; perverted. “Most preposterous conclusions.” Shak.

Preposterous ass, that never read so far! Shak.

Syn. — Absurd; perverted; wrong; irrational; foolish; monstrous. See Absurd.

— Pre‐pos″ter‐ous‐ly, adv. -Pre‐pos″ter‐ous‐ness, n.