n. & v.
n. 1 the cessation of activity or excitement or toil. 2 sleep. 3 a peaceful or quiescent state; stillness; tranquillity. 4 Art a restful effect; harmonious combination. 5 composure or ease of manner.
v. 1 intr. & refl. lie down in rest (reposed on a sofa). 2 tr. (often foll. by on) lay (one's head etc.) to rest (on a pillow etc.). 3 intr. (often foll. by in, on) lie, be lying or laid, esp. in sleep or death. 4 tr. give rest to; refresh with rest. 5 intr. (foll. by on, upon) be supported or based on. 6 intr. (foll. by on) (of memory etc.) dwell on. reposal n. reposeful adj. reposefully adv. reposefulness n.
[ ME f. OF repos(er) f. LL repausare (as RE-, pausare PAUSE) ]