in posse

American  

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

adverb

Latin.

1. in possibility; potentially (contrasted with 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

"How about the plaintiff?" said Blackman, turning a hesitating glance upon Judge Henderson, who seemed much relieved by what his opponent in fact and in posse had said.

From The Broken Gate A Novel by Hough, Emerson

We cannot speak of things which exist or things which once were, as if they were something in posse.

From An Essay In Aid Of A Grammar Of Assent by Newman, John Henry

They sat on the floor with me, and as the cacique could make himself understood in Spanish, we chatted about the affairs of the town in posse.

From The Philippine Islands by Foreman, John

The next class are your would-be aristocratic settlers, younger sons of younger sons, cousins of cousins, Union Barons, nephews' nephews of a Lord Mayor, or unprovided heirs in posse.

From Canada and the Canadians Volume I by Bonnycastle, Richard Henry