† prosterˈnation Obs.
[a. F. prosternation (1599 in Hatz.-Darm.), n. of action from F. prosterner or L. prōstern-āre: see prec.]
The action of prostrating or condition of being prostrated; prostration. Also fig.
| 1622 Donne Serm. (ed. Alford) V. 93, I shall rise..from the prostration, from the prosternation of Death. 1650 Charleton Paradoxes 17 Before the Patient hath suffered too great a prosternation of spirits. a 1652 J. Smith Sel. Disc. ii. i. (1821) 33 Prosternations, uncouth gestures, and strange rites of worship. 1768 [W. Donaldson] Life Sir B. Sapskull I. xii. 127 To the humiliating attitude of prosternation. 1819 H. Busk Banquet ii. 30 You call the oaks to witness the deceit, In prosternation at their aged feet. |