compose

verb

Etymology: From Middle English composen, from Old French composer (“to compose, compound, adjust, settle”), from com- + poser, as an adaptation of Latin componere (“to put together, compose”), from com- (“together”) + ponere (“to put, place”).

1. To make something by merging parts.

   “The editor composed a historical journal from many individual letters.”

   “December 22 1678, Thomas Sprat, A Sermon Preached before the King at White-Hall Zeal ought to be composed of the highest degrees of all pious affection.”

2. To make up the whole; to constitute.

   “A church is composed of its members.”

   “A few useful things […] compose their intellectual possessions.”

3. To comprise.
4. To construct by mental labor; to think up; particularly, to produce or create a literary or musical work.

   “The orator composed his speech over the week prior.”

   “Nine numbered symphonies, including the Fifth, were composed by Beethoven.”

5. To calm; to free from agitation.

   “Try to compose your thoughts.”

   “The defendant couldn't compose herself and was found in contempt.”

6. To arrange the elements of a photograph or other picture.
7. To settle (an argument, dispute etc.); to come to a settlement.

   “By trying his best to compose matters with the mullahs, he had sincerely shown that he did not seek a violent collision […]”

8. To arrange in proper form; to reduce to order; to put in proper state or condition.

   “In a peaceful grave my corpse compose.”

   “How in safety best we may / Compose our present evils.”

9. To arrange (types) in a composing stick for printing; to typeset.