/sev"euhr/ , v.t.
1. to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.
2. to divide into parts, esp. forcibly; cleave.
3. to break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.).
4. Law. to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of a statute, etc.).
5. to distinguish; discriminate between.
v.i.
6. to become separated from each other; become divided into parts.
[ 1300-50; ME severen sev ( e ) rer to SEPARATE ]