adj. & pron.
--adj.
1. (often foll. by as) of the kind or degree in question or under consideration (such a person; such people; people such as these).
2 (usu. foll. by as to + infin. or that + clause) so great; in such high degree (not such a fool as to believe them; had such a fright that he fainted).
3 of a more than normal kind or degree (we had such an enjoyable evening; such horrid language).
4 of the kind or degree already indicated, or implied by the context (there are no such things; such is life).
5 Law or formal the aforesaid; of the aforesaid kind.
--pron.
1. the thing or action in question or referred to (such were his words; such was not my intention).
2 a Commerce or colloq. the aforesaid thing or things; it, they, or them (those without tickets should purchase such). b similar things; suchlike (brought sandwiches and such).
Phrases and idioms:
as such as being what has been indicated or named (a stranger is welcomed as such; there is no theatre as such). such-and-such
--adj. of a particular kind but not needing to be specified.
--n. a person or thing of this kind. such-and-such a person someone; so-and-so. such as
1. of a kind that; like (a person such as we all admire).
2 for example (insects, such as moths and bees).
3 those who (such as don't need help). such as it is despite its shortcomings (you are welcome to it, such as it is).
such a one
1. (usu. foll. by as) such a person or such a thing.
2 archaic some person or thing unspecified.
Etymology: OE swilc, swylc f. Gmc: cf. LIKE(1)