Obs. [f. L. express- ppl. stem of exprimĕre + -URE: cf. PRESSURE.] The action of expressing; = EXPRESSION in various senses. a. = EXPRESSION 1: also the operation of a force pressing outwards; outward pressure. b. Expression by words or signs; manifestation, description. c. An image, picture; cf. EXPRESS sb. 2.
a. 1656. trans. Hobbes’ Elem. Philos. (1839), 334. And this expressure, when the forces are equal, is in a line perpendicular to the bodies pressing.
1713. Derham, Phys. Theol., IV. viii. 163. A good Contrivance … to afford a due expressure of it [mucilage] at all times.
1850. H. H. Wilson, trans. Rig-veda, I. 6, note 200. The acid Asclepias … yields to expressure a copious milky juice.
b. 1601. Shaks., Twel. N., II. iii. 171. By … the expressure of his eye … he shall finde himselfe most feelingly personated. Ibid. (1606), Tr. & Cr., III. iii. 204. There is a mysterie … in the soule of State; Which hath an operation more diuine, Than breath or pen can giue expressure to.
1671. Flavel, Fount. Life, v. 14. These high expressures of His Love.
1681. Flavel, Right. Man’s Ref., 246. The general and more comprehensive Promises are found in the general expressures of the Covenant.
c. 1598. Shaks., Merry W., V. v. 71. Th’ expressure that it beares: Greene let it be.
