ˈsentəns n. & v. --n. 1 a a set of words
complete in
itself as
the expression of a thought, containing or implying a
subject and predicate, and conveying a
statement,
question,
exclamation, or
command. b a
piece of
writing or
speech between two full stops or
equivalent pauses,
often including
several grammatical sentences (e.g. I
went; he came). 2 a a
decision of a
lawcourt,
esp. the
punishment allotted to a
person convicted in a
criminal trial. b the
declaration of
this. 3
Logic a
series of signs or symbols expressing a
proposition in an
artificial or
logical language. --v.tr. 1
declare the sentence of (a convicted criminal etc.). 2 (foll. by to) declare (such a person) to be condemned to a specified punishment. øunder sentence of having
been condemned to (under sentence of death). [ME f. OF f. L sententia
opinion f. sentire be of opinion]