in posse

American  

[in pos-e, in pos-ee] / ɪn ˈpɒs ɛ, ɪn ˈpɒs i /

adverb

Latin.

1. in possibility; potentially (in esse ).

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in posse British  

/ ɪn ˈpɒsɪ /

adjective

1. possible; potential Compare in esse

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Etymology

Origin of in posse

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

I am possessed of two separate powers�the one in esse and the other in posse.

From Time Magazine Archive

But, alas, any good that may possibly inhere in the system has largely remained in posse rather than in esse.

From India, Its Life and Thought by Jones, John P. (John Peter)

Therefore, of good workmen in posse we make bad clerks and shopmen in esse; of good clerks detestable little bureaucrats or mean-minded commercial men, and so on.

From A Poor Man's House by Reynolds, Stephen Sydney

The merits and absurdities of the type were already there, indeed, in posse.

From Marriage à la mode by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

The husband in posse of Déruchette haunted his dreams.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor