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in esse

American  
[in es-e, in es-ee] / ɪn ˈɛs ɛ, ɪn ˈɛs i /

adverb

Latin.
  1. in being; in actuality; in actual existence (contrasted wiithin posse ).


in esse British  
/ ɪn ˈɛsɪ /

adjective

  1. actually existing Compare in posse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of in esse

Latin, literally: in being

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The sale of a manuscript letter cannot authorize a vendee to publish it without consent of the writer, and the receiver of a letter is perhaps bound to keep a letter private or destroy it, if so required by the writer, but this is a right difficult of enforcement if not doubtful in esse.

From Project Gutenberg

I must confess, however, staunch Tory of the most crusted and mediæval type though I be, that all this array of sovereigns in esse or in posse seems very dull, and bores me to yawning-point.

From Project Gutenberg

No urchin so ragged that he does not proclaim the printed wares of a millionaire in esse or in posse.

From Project Gutenberg

The political economist, Mr. President, deals with property in esse, and producers employed.

From Project Gutenberg

Esse, es′i, n. used in phrase In esse, in existence, opposed to In posse, in potentiality.

From Project Gutenberg