At'ti-tūde, n.

(53), n. [Fr. attitude, for aptitude, It. attitudine, Sp. actitud, L. Lat. aptitudo, from aptus, suited, fitted.]

1. The posture or position of a person, or the manner in which the parts of his body are disposed; as, a threatening attitude; an attitude of entreaty.
2. Posture or position of things, in a corresponding relation; as, in times of trouble let a nation preserve a firm attitude.
3. (Paint. & Sculp.) The posture or action in which a figure or statue is placed; the gesture of a figure or statue; such a disposition of the parts as serves to express the action and sentiments of the person represented.

Syn.—ATTITUDE, POSTURE. These words both describe the visible disposition of the limbs. Posture relates to their position merely: attitude refers to their fitness for some specific object. The object of an attitude is to set forth and exhibit some internal feeling; as, an attitude of wonder, of admiration, of grief, &c. It is, therefore, essentially and designedly expressive. Its object is the same with that of gesture; viz., to hold forth and represent emotion. Posture has no such design. If we speak of posture in prayer, or the posture of devotion, it is only the natural disposition of the limbs, without any intention to show forth or exhibit. 'Tis the business of a painter in his choice of attitudes (postures) to foresee the effect and harmony of the lights and shadows. Dryden. Never to keep the body in the same posture half an hour at a time. Bacon.