sɔ:t n. & v. --n. 1 a
group of things etc.
with common attributes; a
class or kind. 2 (foll. by of)
roughly of
the kind specified (is
some sort of doctor). 3 colloq. a
person of a specified
character or kind (a
good sort). 4
Printing a
letter or
piece in a fount of
type. 5 Computing the
arrangement of
data in a prescribed
sequence. 6
archaic a
manner or
way. --v.tr. (often foll. by
out, over)
arrange systematically or
according to type, class, etc. øafter a sort
after a
fashion. in some sort to a
certain extent. of a sort (or of sorts) colloq.
not fully deserving the
name (a
holiday of sorts). out of sorts 1 slightly
unwell. 2 in low spirits;
irritable. sort of colloq. as it
were; to some extent (I sort of expected it). sort out 1
separate into sorts. 2
select (things of
one or
more sorts)
from a
miscellaneous group. 3
disentangle or put into
order. 4
resolve (a
problem or difficulty). 5 colloq. deal with or
reprimand (a person). øøsortable adj. sorter n. sorting n. [ME f. OF sorte ult. f. L sors sortis
lot, condition]
