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

It was unfortunately true that some of those common people treated Mr. Spokesly, not as a commander in posse, not as one of those select beings born to rule, but as one of themselves.

From Command by McFee, William

We passed this high-road "in posse" and, the little horses stepping along, presently caught up a trail of donkeys, thePg 137 proprietor of which, a friend of Ramases, had a face like a post-impressionist sculpture.

From The Luck of Thirteen Wanderings and Flight through Montenegro and Serbia by Gordon, Cora

I thought it best that she should know how and where he was spending so much money in esse as well as money in posse.

From A Tame Surrender, A Story of The Chicago Strike by King, Charles

At breakfast she holds a sort of levée of persons of all sorts—ministers in esse or in posse, professors, artists, English strangers, and foreigners from all parts of the world.

From Lola Montez An Adventuress of the 'Forties by d'Auvergne, Edmund B.