E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Imposition.
A task given as a punishment. Of course the word is taken from the verb impose, as the task is imposed. The term is common in schools, colleges, and universities. In the sense of a deception it means to “put a trick on a person,” hence, the expressions “to put on one,” “to lay it on thick,” etc.
