/set"ing/ , n.
1. the act of a person or thing that sets.
2. the surroundings or environment of anything: The garden was a perfect setting for the house.
3. the mounting in which a jewel is set.
4. a group of all the articles, as of china, silver, or glass, required for setting a table or a single place at a table.
5. the locale or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc., takes place: The setting of this story is Verona in the 15th century.
6. Also called stage setting, stage set . the scenery and other properties used in a dramatic performance.
7. Music.
a. a piece of music composed for certain words.
b. a piece of music composed for a particular medium, or arranged for other than the original medium.
[ 1325-75; ME; see SET, -ING 1 ]
Syn. 2. See environment .