Dictionary entry

Retort

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Re‐tort″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Retorted; p. pr. & vb. n.Retorting.] [L. retortus, p. p. of retorquere; pref. re- re- + torquere to turn twist. See Torsion, and cf. Retort, n., 2.] 1. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.

With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated. Southey.

2. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.

As when his virtues, shining upon others,

Heat them and they retort that heat again

To the first giver. Shak.

3. To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.

And with retorted scorn his back he turned. Milton.