Guns of position

Position \Po*si"tion\, n. [F. position, L. positio, fr. ponere,
   positum, to put, place; prob. for posino, fr. an old
   preposition used only in comp. (akin to Gr. ?) + sinere to
   leave, let, permit, place. See {Site}, and cf. {Composite},
   {Compound}, v., {Depone}, {Deposit}, {Expound}, {Impostor},
   {Opposite}, {Propound}, {Pose}, v., {Posit}, {Post}, n.]
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   1. The state of being posited, or placed; the manner in which
      anything is placed; attitude; condition; as, a firm, an
      inclined, or an upright position.
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            We have different prospects of the same thing,
            according to our different positions to it. --Locke.
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   2. The spot where a person or thing is placed or takes a
      place; site; place; station; situation; as, the position
      of man in creation; the fleet changed its position.
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   3. Hence: The ground which any one takes in an argument or
      controversy; the point of view from which any one proceeds
      to a discussion; also, a principle laid down as the basis
      of reasoning; a proposition; a thesis; as, to define one's
      position; to appear in a false position.
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            Let not the proof of any position depend on the
            positions that follow, but always on those which go
            before.                               --I. Watts.
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   4. Relative place or standing; social or official rank; as, a
      person of position; hence, office; post; as, to lose one's
      position.
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   5. (Arith.) A method of solving a problem by one or two
      suppositions; -- called also the {rule of trial and
      error}.
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   {Angle of position} (Astron.), the angle which any line (as
      that joining two stars) makes with another fixed line,
      specifically with a circle of declination.

   {Double position} (Arith.), the method of solving problems by
      proceeding with each of two assumed numbers, according to
      the conditions of the problem, and by comparing the
      difference of the results with those of the numbers,
      deducing the correction to be applied to one of them to
      obtain the true result.

   {Guns of position} (Mil.), heavy fieldpieces, not designed
      for quick movements.

   {Position finder} (Mil.), a range finder. See under {Range}.
      

   {Position micrometer}, a micrometer applied to the tube of an
      astronomical telescope for measuring angles of position in
      the field of view.

   {Single position} (Arith.), the method of solving problems,
      in which the result obtained by operating with an assumed
      number is to the true result as the number assumed is to
      the number required.

   {Strategic position} (Mil.), a position taken up by an army
      or a large detachment of troops for the purpose of
      checking or observing an opposing force.
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   Syn: Situation; station; place; condition; attitude; posture;
        proposition; assertion; thesis.
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