Collins English-English Dictionary

settle ['sεt^əl]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to put in order; arrange in a desired state or condition

   he settled his affairs before he died

2. 2. vt. to arrange or be arranged in a fixed or comfortable position

   he settled himself by the fire

3. 3. vi. [intr] to come to rest or a halt

   a bird settled on the hedge

4. 4. vi. to take up or cause to take up residence

   the family settled in the country

5. 5. vi. to establish or become established in a way of life, job, residence, etc

6. 6. vt. [tr] to migrate to and form a community; colonize

7. 7. vt. to make or become quiet, calm, or stable

8. 8. vi. [intr] to be cast or spread; come down

   fog settled over a wide area

9. 9. vi. to make (a liquid) clear or (of a liquid) to become clear; clarify

10. 10. vi. to cause (sediment) to sink to the bottom, as in a liquid, or (of sediment) to sink thus

11. 11. vi. to subside or cause to subside and become firm or compact

    the dust settled

12. 12. vi. [sometimes foll by up] to pay off or account for (a bill, debt, etc)

13. 13. vt. [tr] to decide, conclude, or dispose of

    to settle an argument

14. 14. vi. [intr; often foll by on or upon] to agree or fix

    to settle upon a plan

15. 15. vt. [tr; usually foll by on or upon] to secure (title, property, etc) to a person, as by making a deed of settlement, will, etc

    he settled his property on his wife

16. 16. vt. to determine (a legal dispute, etc) by agreement of the parties without resort to court action (esp in the phrase settle out of court)

17. 17. vt. See also settle down settle for settle in settle with

18. 18. vt. [Etymology] Old English setlan; related to Dutch zetelen; see settle²

settle ['sεt^əl]

1. 1. n a seat, for two or more people, usually made of wood with a high back and arms, and sometimes having a storage space in the boxlike seat

2. 2. n [Etymology] Old English setl; related to Old Saxon, Old High German sezzal