n. & v.
n. 1 the relative position of parts, esp. of the body (in a reclining posture). 2 carriage or bearing (improved by good posture and balance). 3 a mental or spiritual attitude or condition. 4 the condition or state (of affairs etc.) (in more diplomatic postures).
v. 1 intr. assume a mental or physical attitude, esp. for effect (inclined to strut and posture). 2 tr. pose (a person). postural adj. posturer n.
[ F f. It. postura f. L positura f. ponere posit- place ]