Sentence

Sen′tence (sĕn′tens), n. [F., from L. sententia, for sentientia, from sentire to discern by the senses and the mind, to feel, to think. See Sense, n., and cf. Sentiensi.] 1. Sense; meaning; significance. [Obs.]

Tales of best sentence and most solace. Chaucer.

The discourse itself, voluble enough, and full of sentence. Milton.

2. (a) An opinion; a decision; a determination; a judgment, especially one of an unfavorable nature.

My sentence is for open war. Milton.

That by them [Luther's works] we may pass sentence upon his doctrines. Atterbury.

(b) A philosophical or theological opinion; a dogma; as, Summary of the Sentences; Book of the Sentences.

3. (Law) In civil and admiralty law, the judgment of a court pronounced in a cause; in criminal and ecclesiastical courts, a judgment passed on a criminal by a court or judge; condemnation pronounced by a judgical tribunal; doom. In common law, the term is exclusively used to denote the judgment in criminal cases.

Received the sentence of the law. Shak.

4. A short saying, usually containing moral instruction; a maxim; an axiom; a saw. Broome.

5. (Gram.) A combination of words which is complete as expressing a thought, and in writing is marked at the close by a period, or full point. See Proposition, 4.

☞ Sentences are simple or compound. A simple sentence consists of one subject and one finite verb; as, "The Lord reigns." A compound sentence contains two or more subjects and finite verbs, as in this verse: -

He fills, he bounds, connects, and equals all. Pope.

Dark sentence, a saving not easily explained.

A king . . . understanding dark sentences. Dan. vii. 23.

Sen′tence, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sentenced; p. pr. & vb. n. Sentencing.] 1. To pass or pronounce judgment upon; to doom; to condemn to punishment; to prescribe the punishment of.

Nature herself is sentenced in your doom. Dryden.

2. To decree or announce as a sentence. [Obs.] Shak.

3. To utter sententiously. [Obs.] Feltham.