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SUPINE

Volume 20 · 129 words · 1815 Edition

in Latin grammar, part of the conjugation of a verb, being a verbal substantive of the singular num- ber and the fourth declension.

There are two kinds of supines: one, called the first supine, ending in um of the accusative case, which is always of an active signification, and follows a verb of motion; as abit deambulatum. The other called the last supine, and ending in u of the ablative case, is of a passive signification, and is governed by substantives or adjectives; as, facile dictu, &c.

They have their name, says Probus, and after him Vossius, quod ad inflar supinorum et otiosorum hominum omnia habent confusa: or, according to Priscian, quod nascantur a particulis paffris, que supina appellota sunt, quia in infimo loco fia, totam conjugationis molestiam juxtipliant.