I. ˈsȯr-əl, ˈsär- noun
Etymology: Middle English sorel, noun & adjective, from Anglo-French, from sor red, auburn, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch soor dry, barren, Old English sēar dry — more at sere
Date: 15th century
1. : a sorrel-colored animal ; especially : a light bright chestnut horse often with white mane and tail — compare chestnut I,4, bay II,1
2. : a brownish orange to light brown
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English sorel, from Anglo-French surele, from sur, siur sour, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sūr sour — more at sour
Date: 15th century
: any of various plants or plant parts with sour juice: as
a. : any of various docks (as Rumex acetosa and R. acetosella ) ; also : the leaves used as a potherb
b. : wood sorrel