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

To the latter question Gilbert replies that in the darkness color exists in posse, but not in esse.

From Gilbertus Anglicus Medicine of the Thirteenth Century by Handerson, Henry Ebenezer

It is an omelet that cannot be made without breaking eggs, not only eggs in esse, but also eggs in posse.

From The Creed of the Old South 1865-1915 by Gildersleeve, Basil L. (Basil Lanneau)

It corresponds to the inmost facts of the hearers' being, whether they are aware of it yet or not; and is there not here the most powerful of magnets, at least in posse?

From To My Younger Brethren Chapters on Pastoral Life and Work by Moule, H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn)

From a distance, say from under the verandah of a comfortable hotel, when the climber in posse indicates the way he would pursue with the end of his cigar, they are absurdly easy.

From Above the Snow Line by Dent, Clinton Thomas