ˌimpəˈzishən noun
Etymology: Middle English imposicioun, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French imposition, from Late Latin imposition-, impositio, from Latin impositus (past participle of imponere) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act of imposing: as
a. : the laying on of the hands as a religious ceremony (as in ordination or confirmation)
b. : a putting, placing, or laying on
the imposition of color on the clear wood
the imposition of a second layer on the first
c. : an applying by compelling means
the imposition of rigid censorship
the imposition of a foreign form on a domestic product
d. : a levying or assessment (as of a tax or a fine)
the imposition of extra charges for extra services
the imposition of a high tariff
e. : the arranging on an imposing stone of matter to be printed
2. : something imposed: as
a. : levy , tax
an imposition of 5000 francs on a coat
b. obsolete : command , charge
c. : an excessive, unwarranted, or uncalled-for requirement or burden
severe impositions on her children — John Dollard
d. : an exercise imposed as punishment on a student (as at an English public school)
3. : the act of imposing upon another or the condition of being imposed upon : deception
know that their tricks are impositions — W.W.Howells
4. : the order of arrangement of imposed pages or other matter
the standard impositions are simple multiples of 16 pages — Plan for a Good Book