in posse

American  

[in pos-e, in pos-ee] / ɪn ˈpɒs ɛ, ɪn ˈpɒs i /

adverb

Latin.

1. in possibility; potentially (in esse ).

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in posse British  

/ ɪn ˈpɒsɪ /

adjective

1. possible; potential Compare in esse

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Etymology

Origin of in posse

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

I am possessed of two separate powers�the one in esse and the other in posse.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the utmost such virtue is one only in posse; as developed in the concrete, it takes the shape of species which in no sense imply each other.

From An Essay In Aid Of A Grammar Of Assent by Newman, John Henry

Mr. Peters was in posse the Bishop of the new Province about to be organized.

From Toronto of Old by Scadding, Henry

Every up-to-date dictionary should say that "peace" and "war" mean the same thing, now in posse, now in actu.

From Memories and Studies by James, Henry

The fact was that Annie was the greater of the two in esse; Cupples the greater in posse.

From Alec Forbes of Howglen by MacDonald, George