Prot"a*sis (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. , fr. to stretch before, forward; before + to stretch.]

1.

A proposition; a maxim.

Johnson.

2. Gram.

The introductory or subordinate member of a sentence, generally of a conditional sentence; -- opposed to apodosis. See Apodosis.

3.

The first part of a drama, of a poem, or the like; the introduction; opposed to epitasis.

B. Jonson.

 

© Webster 1913.