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

Mr. Peters was in posse the Bishop of the new Province about to be organized.

From Toronto of Old by Scadding, Henry

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

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

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