Part 79

And their importune fates all satisfied.

Spenser.

Of all other affections it is the most importune and continual.

Bacon.

Im`por*tune", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Importuned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Importuning.] [From Importune, a.: cf. F. importuner.] 1. To request or solicit, with urgency; to press with frequent, unreasonable, or troublesome application or pertinacity; hence, to tease; to irritate; to worry.

Their ministers and residents here have perpetually importuned the court with unreasonable demands.

Swift.

2. To import; to signify. [Obs.] "It importunes death." Spenser.

Im`por*tune", v. i. To require; to demand. [Obs.]

We shall write to you, As time and our concernings shall importune.

Shak.

Im`por*tune"ly, adv. In an importune manner. [Obs.]

Im`por*tun"er (?), n. One who importunes.

Im`por*tu"ni*ty (?), n.; pl. Importunities (#). [L. importunitas unsuitableness, rudeness: cf. F. importunité.] The quality of being importunate; pressing or pertinacious solicitation; urgent request; incessant or frequent application; troublesome pertinacity.

O'ercome with importunity and tears.

Milton.

Im*por"tu*ous (?), a. [L. importuosus; pref. im- not + portuosus abounding in harbors, fr. portus harbor.] Without a port or harbor. [R.]

Im*pos"a*ble (?), a. [Cf. F. imposable.] Capable of being imposed or laid on. Hammond.

Im*pos"a*ble*ness, n. Quality of being imposable.

Im*pose" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Imposed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Imposing.] [F. imposer; pref. im- in + poser to place. See Pose, v. t.] 1. To lay on; to set or place; to put; to deposit.

Cakes of salt and barley did impose Within a wicker basket.

Chapman.

2. To lay as a charge, burden, tax, duty, obligation, command, penalty, etc.; to enjoin; to levy; to inflict; as, to impose a toll or tribute.

What fates impose, that men must needs abide.

Shak.

Death is the penalty imposed.

Milton.

Thou on the deep imposest nobler laws.