v., adj., & adv.
v. 1 tr. & intr. bring or come together; assemble, accumulate. 2 tr. systematically seek and acquire (books, stamps, etc.), esp. as a continuing hobby. 3 a tr. obtain (taxes, contributions, etc.) from a number of people. b intr. colloq. receive money. 4 tr. call for; fetch (went to collect the laundry). 5 a refl. regain control of oneself esp. after a shock. b tr. concentrate (one's energies, thoughts, etc.). c tr. (as collected adj.) calm and cool; not perturbed or distracted. 6 tr. infer, gather, conclude.
adj. & adv. US to be paid for by the receiver (of a telephone call, parcel, etc.). collectable adj. collectedly adv.
[ F collecter or med.L collectare f. L collectus past part. of colligere (as COM-, legere pick) ]