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

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)

The husband in posse of Déruchette haunted his dreams.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor

"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

Every up-to-date dictionary should say that "peace" and "war" mean the same thing, now in posse, now in actu.

From Memories and Studies by James, Henry