Pre*pos"ter*ous (?), a.[L.
praeposterus; prae before + posterus coming
after, latter. See Posterior.]
1. Having that first which ought to be last;
inverted in order. [Obs.]
The method I take may be censured as
preposterous, because I thus treat last of the antediluvian
earth, which was first in the order of nature.
Woodward.
2. Contrary to nature or reason; not adapted
to the end; utterly and glaringly foolish; unreasonably absurd;
perverted. "Most preposterous conclusions."
Shak.
Preposterous ass, that never read so
far!
Shak.
Syn. -- Absurd; perverted; wrong; irrational; foolish;
monstrous. See Absurd.
-- Pre*pos"ter*ous*ly, adv. -
Pre*pos"ter*ous*ness, n.