Os*ten"si*ble (?), a. [From L. ostensus, p. p. of ostendere to show, prop., to stretch out before; fr. prefix obs- (old form of ob-) + tendere to stretch. See Tend.]
1.
Capable of being shown; proper or intended to be shown.
[R.]
Walpole.
2.
Shown; exhibited; declared; avowed; professed; apparent; -- often used as opposed to real or actual; as, an ostensible reason, motive, or aim.
D. Ramsay.
© Webster 1913.