Thesis (?), n.; pl. Theses (#). [L., fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to place, set. See Do, and cf. Anathema, Apothecary, Epithet, Hypothesis, Parenthesis, Theme, Tick a cover.] 1. A position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument.
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2. Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.
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I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them. Goldsmith.
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3. (Logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.
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4. (Mus.) The accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; -- the opposite of arsis.
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5. (Pros.) (a) The depression of the voice in pronouncing the syllables of a word. (b) The part of the foot upon which such a depression falls.
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