composition Copy link Outline I. The act of compoundingII. In literature1. scriptio2. scriptūra (also used of that which is written)3. confectio4. Expr. by ger.III. The book, poem, etc., composedIV. A sum paid in discharge of a larger debt • composition: I. The act of compounding: compŏsĭtio: the c. of ointments, unguentorum c., Cic. (also used of the thing compounded: Cels.): or expr. by verb: v. to compound. II. In literature: 1. scriptio: this style of c. has not been, as yet, sufficiently illustrated in Latin literature, genus hoc scriptionis nondum est satis Latinis literis illustratum, Cic. 2. scriptūra (also used of that which is written): assiduous and careful c., assidua ac diligens s., Cic.: this style of c. should be not only free, but spirited and high-toned, genus hoc scripturae non modo liberum sed incitatum atque elatum esse debet, Cic. 3. confectio: the c. of a book, libri c., Cic.: the c. of annals, annalium c., Cic. 4. Expr. by ger.: facility of c., pangendi facilitas, Tac. (but a Ciceronian writer would add the acc. of that composed). III. The book, poem, etc., composed: lĭber, scriptum (esp. in pl.), etc.: v. work, writing. IV. A sum paid in discharge of a larger debt: Phr.: he paid a c. of 50 per cent., *aes alienum ejus ex semisse solutum est; convenit inter eos (sc. debitorem et creditorem) ut debita ex semisse solverentur: simly, with ex triente (one-third), ex centesima parte (one per cent.), etc.