v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by down) establish or become established in a more or less permanent abode or way of life. 2 intr. & tr. (often foll. by down) a cease or cause to cease from wandering, disturbance, movement, etc. b adopt a regular or secure style of life. c (foll. by to) apply oneself (to work, an activity, a way of life, etc.) (settled down to writing letters). 3 a intr. sit or come down to stay for some time. b tr. cause to do this. 4 tr. & intr. bring to or attain fixity, certainty, composure, or quietness. 5 tr. determine or decide or agree upon (shall we settle a date?). 6 tr. a resolve (a dispute etc.). b deal with (a matter) finally. 7 tr. terminate (a lawsuit) by mutual agreement. 8 intr. a (foll. by for) accept or agree to (esp. an alternative not one's first choice). b (foll. by on) decide on. 9 tr. (also absol.) pay (a debt, an account, etc.). 10 intr. (as settled adj.) not likely to change for a time (settled weather). 11 tr. a aid the digestion of (food). b remedy the disordered state of (nerves, the stomach, etc.). 12 tr. a colonize. b establish colonists in. 13 intr. subside; fall to the bottom or on to a surface (the foundations have settled; wait till the sediment settles; the dust will settle). 14 intr. (of a ship) begin to sink. 15 tr. get rid of the obstruction of (a person) by argument or conflict or killing. settle one's affairs make any necessary arrangements (e.g. write a will) when death is near. settle a person's hash see HASH(1). settle in become established in a place. settle up 1 (also absol.) pay (an account, debt, etc.). 2 finally arrange (a matter). settle with 1 pay all or part of an amount due to (a creditor). 2 get revenge on. settling day the fortnightly pay-day on the Stock Exchange. settleable adj.
[ OE setlan (as SETTLE(2)) f. Gmc ]