All 7 Uses of
compose
in
The Scarlet Letter
- The founders of the greater part of the families which now compose the aristocracy of Salem might here be traced...
Chpt Intr. (definition 1) *compose = make up
- It is my belief, however, that had I attempted a different order of composition, my faculties would not have been found so pointless and inefficacious.
Chpt Intr. (definition 2) *composition = writing
- They were her countrywomen: and the beef and ale of their native land, with a moral diet not a whit more refined, entered largely into their composition.
Chpt 2 (definition 1)composition = makeup (something composed of many parts)
- "Drink, then," replied he, still with the same cold composure.
Chpt 4 (definition 3) *composure = calm state of mind
- ...there might be an infrequent call for the finer productions of her handiwork. Yet the taste of the age, demanding whatever was elaborate in compositions of this kind, did not fail to extend its influence over our stern progenitors, who had cast behind them so many fashions which it might seem harder to dispense with.
Chpt 5 (definition 2)compositions = things created with care
- "There is no law, nor reverence for authority, no regard for human ordinances or opinions, right or wrong, mixed up with that child's composition," remarked he, as much to himself as to his companion.†
Chpt 10 (definition 2)
- This body of soldiery—which still sustains a corporate existence, and marches down from past ages with an ancient and honourable fame—was composed of no mercenary materials.
Chpt 22 (definition 1)composed = made up
Definitions:
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(1) (compose as in: composed of many parts) to create something by arranging parts; or to be those parts
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(2) (compose as in: compose a poem) to write or create something with care -- especially music or a literary work, but could be other things as diverse as a plan or a letter
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(3) (compose as in: compose myself) to calm someone or settle something