Ostensible \Os*ten"si*ble\, a. [From L. ostensus, p. p. of
ostendere to show, prop., to stretch out before; fr. prefix
obs- (old form of ob-) + tendere to stretch. See Tend.]
1. Capable of being shown; proper or intended to be shown.
[R.] --Walpole.
2. Shown; exhibited; declared; avowed; professed; apparent;
-- often used as opposed to real or actual; as, an
ostensible reason, motive, or aim. --D. Ramsay.
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