proposition(1) (iou) and European (as used in expressions) (sh)

proposition(1) (iou)

proposition noun. ME.
[Old & mod. French, or Latin propositio(n-), from proposit- pa. ppl stem of proponere: see PROPONE, -ITION.]
The action or an act of propounding or proposing something for consideration; something proposed for consideration, spec. an introductory part of a speech, literary work, etc. Now rare or obsolete. ME.
b. A question proposed for solution, a problem, a riddle. LME-E17.
The action or an act of representing or displaying something; (a) presentation, (an) exhibition. Now rare. LME.
a. A statement, an assertion; the making of a statement about something; spec. in Logic, a statement expressed in a form requiring consideration of its truth rather than its validity. LME.
L. Durrell The Cartesian proposition: 'I think, therefore I am'. G. K. Wolfe The proposition that humans enjoyed a destiny to conquer the universe.
b. Logic. Either of the premisses of a syllogism, esp. the major premiss. Now rare or obsolete. M16.
A scheme or plan of action put forward, a proposal; US a constitutional proposal, a bill. LME.
A. John I began to receive propositions for an autobiography from..publishers.
Math. A formal statement of a truth to be demonstrated (a theorem) or of an operation to be performed (a problem) (freq. including also the demonstration). LME.
The action or an act of putting something forward for acceptance; an offer. E-M17.
An enterprise, an undertaking, esp. with regard to the likelihood of its commercial etc. Success; colloq. a (difficult) problem or project, a prospect with regard to its likely difficulty; a (formidable) person etc. to be dealt with. Orig. US. L19.
not a proposition unlikely to succeed in business etc.
C. E. Mulford Knife fighters are bad propositions. Daily Express Every industry..must be a business proposition. L. Blue What a tough proposition a human life is. L. Appignanesi To create a brief portrait is something of a proposition.
A sexual proposal or advance. colloq. (orig. US). M20.