The Collaborative International Dictionary
Composing \Com*pos"ing\, a.
Tending to compose or soothe.
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Pertaining to, or used in, composition.
Composing frame (Print.), a stand for holding cases of type when in use.
Composing rule (Print.), a thin slip of brass or steel, against which the type is arranged in a composing stick, or by the aid of which stickfuls or handfuls or type are lifted; -- called also setting rule.
Composing stick (Print.), an instrument usually of metal, which the compositor holds in his left hand, and in which he arranges the type in words and lines. It has one open side, and one adjustable end by means of which the length of the lines, and consequently the width of the page or column, may be determined. [1913 Webster] ||
Wiktionary
n. (context printing dated English) A stand for holding cases of type when in use.