v. & n.
v. 1 tr. ascend or climb (a hill, stairs, etc.). 2 tr. a get up on (an animal, esp. a horse) to ride it. b set (a person) on horseback. c provide (a person) with a horse. d (as mounted adj.) serving on horseback (mounted police). 3 tr. go up or climb on to (a raised surface). 4 intr. a move upwards. b (often foll. by up) increase, accumulate. c (of a feeling) become stronger or more intense (excitement was mounting). d (of the blood) rise into the cheeks. 5 tr. (esp. of a male animal) get on to (a female) to copulate. 6 tr. (often foll. by on) place (an object) on an elevated support. 7 tr. a set in or attach to a backing, setting, or other support. b attach (a picture etc.) to a mount or frame. c fix (an object for viewing) on a microscope slide. 8 tr. a arrange (a play, exhibition, etc.) or present for public view or display. b take action to initiate (a programme, campaign, etc.). 9 tr. prepare (specimens) for preservation. 10 tr. a bring into readiness for operation. b raise (guns) into position on a fixed mounting. 11 intr. rise to a higher level of rank, power, etc.
n. 1 a backing, setting, or other support on which a picture etc. is set for display. 2 the margin surrounding a picture or photograph. 3 a a horse available for riding. b an opportunity to ride a horse, esp. as a jockey. 4 = stamp-hinge (see HINGE). mount guard (often foll. by over) perform the duty of guarding; take up sentry duty. mountable adj. mounter n.
[ ME f. OF munter, monter ult. f. L (as MOUNT(2)) ]