catastasis

1 definition found

catastasis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Catastasis \Ca*tas"ta*sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to set;
     kata` down + ? to place.]
     1. (Rhet.) That part of a speech, usually the exordium, in
        which the orator sets forth the subject matter to be
        discussed.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Med.) The state, or condition of anything; constitution;
        habit of body.
        [1913 Webster]