Ostension

n. [ L. ostensio a showing: cf. F. ostension. See Ostend. ] (Eccl.) The showing of the sacrament on the altar in order that it may receive the adoration of the communicants. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. extensio: cf. F. extension. See Extend, v. t. ] 1. The act of extending or the state of being extended; a stretching out; enlargement in breadth or continuation of length; increase; augmentation; expansion. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physics) That property of a body by which it occupies a portion of space. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Logic & Metaph.) (a) Capacity of a concept or general term to include a greater or smaller number of objects; -- correlative of intension. (b) the class or set of objects to which a term refers; -- contrasted with intension, the logical specification which defines members of a class, being the set of attributes which are necessary and sufficient to recognize an object as a member of the class. [ 1913 Webster ]

The law is that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

The extension of [ the term ] plant is greater than that of geranium, because it includes more objects. Abp. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Surg.) The operation of stretching a broken bone so as to bring the fragments into the same straight line. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Physiol.) The straightening of a limb, in distinction from flexion. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Com.) A written engagement on the part of a creditor, allowing a debtor further time to pay a debt. [ 1913 Webster ]

Counter extension. (Surg.) See under Counter. --
Extension table, a table so constructed as to be readily extended or contracted in length. [ 1913 Webster ]