Obs. [a. OF. compost, corrupt form of compot (nom. compoz, compos):—late L. comput-us calculation, f. computā-re to compute, reckon up. The OF. compost (= COMPOST sb.1) was reduced in pronunciation and sometimes in spelling to compot, by association with which this word was also spelt compost, and latinized as compostum, as if a ‘collection’ of some kind.] = COMPUTUS; esp. a calendar or computation of astronomical and ecclesiastical data.
1535. Berthelet’s ed. of Trevisa’s Barth. De P. R., IX. iii. has compost, for compot of 1398: see COMPOT.
1560. (title) A Compound manuell, or Compost of the hand, wherby you may easilie finde out by the arte of the hand, all things pertayning to the vse of common Almanacks … Printed by Tho. Marsh. 8vo.
1653. Urquhart, Rabelais, I. xiv. The compost, for knowing the age of the Moon, the seasons of the year, and tides of the sea.
1656. Sheph. Kalender, i. This present book is named the Compost, for it comprehendeth fully all the compost and more, for the days, hours, and moments, and the new moons, and the eclipse of the Sun and Moon.
1844. S. R. Maitland, Dark Ages, 21.
