Prep`o*si"tion (?), n. [L. praepositio, fr. praeponere to place before; prae before + ponere to put, place: cf. F. pr'eposition. See Position, and cf. Provost.]
1. Gram.
A word employed to connect a noun or a pronoun, in an adjectival or adverbial sense, with some other word; a particle used with a noun or pronoun (in English always in the objective case) to make a phrase limiting some other word; -- so called because usually placed before the word with which it is phrased; as, a bridge of iron; he comes from town; it is good for food; he escaped by running.
2.
A proposition; an exposition; a discourse.
[Obs.]
He made a long preposition and oration.
Fabyan.
© Webster 1913.