adj. phr. [L. f. com- + potis powerful, master.] Having control of one’s mind, in one’s right mind. Also simply compos: more frequent in non compos.
1679. Trials of Wakeman, etc., 55. I was scarce Compos mentis.
1771. Smollett, Humph. Cl., 11 June. The Templar affirmed that the poor fellow was non compos.
1842. Orderson, Creol., xix. 232. He was … compos mentis.
1859. Lever, D. Dunn, 48. ‘Ye see I wasn’t compos when I did it.’
