† oˈpposal Obs.
Also 5 opposaylle, -ayle, -aile.
[f. oppose v. + -al1: I and II were independently formed on the two branches of the verb.]
I. 1. The putting of posing questions; examination, interrogation; a posing question, a puzzle; = apposal 1.
| 1426 Lydg. De Guil. Pilgr. 10397, I..for fer, be-gan to quake, What Answere I sholde make Vn-to hys vnkouthe opposaylle. 1436 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 204 Go furthe, libelle,..And pray my lordes the to take in grace In opposaile. 1607 Norden Surv. Dial. ii. 40 Sith you will needs diue into my poore skill, by your opposall,..I will as briefly as I can, satisfye your desire. |
II. 2. = opposition 5.
| 1654–66 Earl of Orrery Parthen. (1676) 121, I should have found a strong opposal in my obedience. 1665 Sir T. Herbert Trav. (1677) 81 The Castle gates opened, fearless of any further opposal. |
3. = opposition 2, 3.
| 1686 Goad Celest. Bodies ii. iv. 199 An opposal of {male} and the ☉ very seldom fails of its warm thawing Breath. 1839 Bailey Festus xxxi. (1852) 516 No sooner came I to the seat, in right opposal placed, To that despotic empress. |