—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.
Phrases and idioms:
under sentence of having been condemned to (under sentence of death).
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L sententia opinion f. sentire be of opinion
Useful english dictionary. 2012.