v. t. [ L. opponere. See Opponent. ] To oppose. [ Obs. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The act of opening an academical disputation; the proposition of objections to a tenet, as an exercise for a degree. [ Eng. ] Todd. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
How becomingly does Philopolis exercise his office, and seasonably commit the opponent with the respondent, like a long-practiced moderator! Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. opponens, -entis, p. pr. of opponere to set or place against, to oppose; ob (see Ob-) + ponere to place. See Position. ] Situated in front; opposite; hence, opposing; adverse; antagonistic. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]