Sort \Sort\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sorted; p. pr. & vb. n. Sorting.]

1. To separate, and place in distinct classes or divisions, as things having different qualities; as, to sort cloths according to their colors; to sort wool or thread according to its fineness.

Rays which differ in refrangibility may be parted and sorted from one another. --Sir I. Newton.

2. To reduce to order from a confused state. --Hooker.

3. To conjoin; to put together in distribution; to class.

Shellfish have been, by some of the ancients, compared and sorted with insects. --Bacon.

She sorts things present with things past. --Sir J. Davies.

4. To choose from a number; to select; to cull.

That he may sort out a worthy spouse. --Chapman.

I'll sort some other time to visit you. --Shak.

5. To conform; to adapt; to accommodate. [R.]

I pray thee, sort thy heart to patience. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)