I. In gen., a constitution, disposition, nature: “firma corporis,” Cic. Off. 3, 33, 117 (as transl. of the Gr. εὐστάθεια τῆς σαρκός); so Sen. Ep. 121, 10 and 14: “prima naturae,” Cic. Fin. 4, 6, 15.—
II. In partic.
A. A definition: “ea constitutio summi boni, quae est proposita,” Cic. Fin. 5, 16, 45.—
B. In rhet., the issue in a cause, the point in dispute: “constitutio est prima conflictio causarum ex depulsione intentionis profecta, hoc modo: Fecisti: Non feci, aut: Jure feci, etc.,” Cic. Inv. 1, 8, 10; Auct. Her. 1, 11, 18 and 19; cf. Quint. 3, 6, 2 sq.—
C. A regulation, order, arrangement: “nec temporis unius nec hominis esse constitutionem rei publicae,” Cic. Rep. 2, 21, 37, cf. id. ib. 1, 45, 69; “2, 31, 53: constitutio est in lege, more, judicato, pacto,” Quint. 7, 4, 6; cf. id. 7, 4, 5; 5, 2, 5: “religionum,” Cic. Leg. 2, 10, 23: “senatus,” Liv. 39, 53, 10; Plin. 34, 9, 21, § 99 al.—
2. Esp., an imperial regulation, order: quodcumque ergo imperator per epistulam promulgavit, vel cognoscens decrevit, vel edicto praecepit, legem esse constat; “hae sunt quae constitutiones appellantur,” Just. Inst. 1, 2, 6; Gai Inst. 2, 5, § 3 al.
