n. & v.
--n.
1. a group of things etc. with common attributes; a class or kind.
2 (foll. by of) roughly of the kind specified (is some sort of doctor).
3 colloq. a person of a specified character or kind (a good sort).
4 Printing a letter or piece in a fount of type.
5 Computing the arrangement of data in a prescribed sequence.
6 archaic a manner or way.
--v.tr. (often foll. by out, over) arrange systematically or according to type, class, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
after a sort after a fashion. in some sort to a certain extent. of a sort (or of sorts) colloq. not fully deserving the name (a holiday of sorts). out of sorts 1 slightly unwell.
2 in low spirits; irritable. sort of colloq. as it were; to some extent (I sort of expected it). sort out 1 separate into sorts.
2 select (things of one or more sorts) from a miscellaneous group.
3 disentangle or put into order.
4 resolve (a problem or difficulty).
5 colloq. deal with or reprimand (a person).
Derivatives:
sortable adj. sorter n. sorting n.
Etymology: ME f. OF sorte ult. f. L sors sortis lot, condition