n. & v.
n. 1 a a set of words complete in itself as the expression of a thought, containing or implying a subject and predicate, and conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command. b a piece of writing or speech between two full stops or equivalent pauses, often including several grammatical sentences (e.g. I went; he came). 2 a a decision of a lawcourt, esp. the punishment allotted to a person convicted in a criminal trial. b the declaration of this. 3 Logic a series of signs or symbols expressing a proposition in an artificial or logical language.
v.tr. 1 declare the sentence of (a convicted criminal etc.). 2 (foll. by to) declare (such a person) to be condemned to a specified punishment. under sentence of having been condemned to (under sentence of death).
[ ME f. OF f. L sententia opinion f. sentire be of opinion ]