Etymology: Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb1: to cause to sit : place in or on a seat 2 a: to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them b: to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator 3: to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race 4 a: to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability <set a ladder against the wall><set a stone on the grave>b:transplant 1 <set seedlings>c (1): to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2): to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d: to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting 5: to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it> 6 a: to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation <slaves were set free><set the house on fire>b: to cause the start of <set a fire> 7 a: to appoint or assign to an office or duty b:post, station 8: to cause to assume a specified posture or position <set the door ajar> 9 a: to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him>b:affixc:apply<set a match to kindling> 10: to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation :prescribe<set a wedding day><set the rules for the game> 11 a: to establish as the highest level or best performance <set a record for the half mile>b: to furnish as a pattern or model <set an example of generosity>c: to allot as a task <setting lessons for the children to work upon at home — Manchester Examiner> 12 a: to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position <set the alarm for 7:00><set a thermostat at 68>; also: to adjust (as a clock) in conformity with a standard b: to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured <set a broken bone>c: to spread to the wind <set the sails> 13 a: to put in order for use <set a place for a guest>b: to make scenically ready for a performance <set the stage>c (1): to arrange (type) for printing <set type by hand>(2): to put into type or its equivalent (as on film) <set the first word in italic> 14 a: to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing <set a razor>b: to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions c: to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface 15: to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching) 16: to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions 17 a: to adorn with something affixed or infixed :stud, dot<clear sky set with stars>b: to fix (as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting c: to place in a specified literary or dramatic setting <a story set in Paris> 18 a: to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of <sets a great deal by daily exercise>b: to place in a relative rank or category <set duty before pleasure>c: to fix at a certain amount <set bail at $500>d:value, rate<their promises were set at naught>e: to place as an estimate of worth <set a high value on life> 19: to place in relation for comparison or balance <theory set against practice> 20 a: to direct to action b: to incite to attack or antagonism <war sets brother against brother> 21 a: to place by transporting <was set ashore on the island>b: to put in motion c: to put and fix in a direction <set our faces toward home once more>dof a dog: to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude 22: to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge 23 a: to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to <set her jaw in determination>b: to make unyielding or obstinate 24: to cause to become firm or solid <set milk for cheese> 25: to cause (as fruit or seed) to developintransitive verb1chiefly dialect:sit 2: to be becoming : be suitable :fit<the coat sets well> 3: to cover and warm eggs to hatch them 4 a: to affect one with or as if with weight <the pudding sets heavily on my stomach>b: to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (as running) 5of a plant part: to undergo development usually as a result of pollination 6 a: to pass below the horizon : go down <the sun sets>b: to come to an end <this century sets with little mirth — Thomas Fuller> 7: to apply oneself to some activity <set to work> 8: to have a specified direction in motion :flow, tend<the wind was setting from Pine Hill to the farm — Esther Forbes> 9of a dog: to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing 10: to dance face to face with another in a square dance <set to your partner and turn> 11 a: to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration <the cement sets rapidly>bof a dye or color: to become permanent cof a bone: to become whole by growing together
— set about: to begin to do
— set apart1: to reserve to a particular use 2: to make noticeable or outstanding