Ca-tăs'ta-sis, n.

n. [Gr. κατάστασις, from καθιστάναι, to set in order, from κατά, down, and ἱστάναι, to place.]

1. (Rhet.) That part of a speech, usually the exordium, in which the orator sets forth the subject-matter of the question to be discussed, often for the purpose of gaining the favor or good-will of the audience.
2. (Med.) The state or condition of any thing; constitution; habit of body.