[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

compose \compose"\ ko^mp=oz", v. t. imp.  p. p.
   composed; p. pr.  vb. n. composing. f. composer; com-
   + poser to place. the sense is that of l. componere, but the
   origin is different. see pose, v. t.
   1. to form by putting together two or more things or parts;
      to put together; to make up; to fashion.
      1913 webster

            zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of
            all pious affection.                  --bp. sprat.
      1913 webster

   2. to form the substance of, or part of the substance of; to
      constitute.
      1913 webster

            their borrowed gold composed
            the calf in oreb.                     --milton.
      1913 webster

            a few useful things . . . compose their intellectual
            possessions.                          --i. watts.
      1913 webster

   3. to construct by mental labor; to design and execute, or
      put together, in a manner involving the adaptation of
      forms of expression to ideas, or to the laws of harmony or
      proportion; as, to compose a sentence, a sermon, a
      symphony, or a picture.
      1913 webster

            let me compose
            something in verse as well as prose.  --pope.
      1913 webster

            the genius that composed such works as the
            "standard" and "last supper".         --b. r.
                                                  haydon.
      1913 webster

   4. to dispose in proper form; to reduce to order; to put in
      proper state or condition; to adjust; to regulate.
      1913 webster

            in a peaceful grave my corpse compose. --dryden.
      1913 webster

            how in safety best we may
            compose our present evils.            --milton.
      1913 webster

   5. to free from agitation or disturbance; to tranquilize; to
      soothe; to calm; to quiet.
      1913 webster

            compose thy mind;
            nor frauds are here contrived, nor force designed.
                                                  --dryden.
      1913 webster

   6. print. to arrange types in a composing stick in order
      for printing; to set type.
      1913 webster
see also:
composed composing pose 

[2] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

composing \compos"ing\, a.
   1. tending to compose or soothe.
      1913 webster

   2. pertaining to, or used in, composition.
      1913 webster

   composing frame print., a stand for holding cases of type
      when in use.

   composing rule print., a thin slip of brass or steel,
      against which the type is arranged in a composing stick,
      or by the aid of which stickfuls or handfuls or type are
      lifted; -- called also setting rule.

   composing stick print., an instrument usually of metal,
      which the compositor holds in his left hand, and in which
      he arranges the type in words and lines. it has one open
      side, and one adjustable end by means of which the length
      of the lines, and consequently the width of the page or
      column, may be determined.
      1913 webster
see also:
composing frame composing rule setting rule composing stick 

[3] : WordNet (r) 2.0

composing
     n 1: the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts
          in relation to each other and to the whole; "harmonious
          composition is essential in a serious work of art" syn:
           composition
     2: musical creation syn: composition
see also:
composition 

Composing >> C Words
Composing, definition of term: Composing
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