The Collaborative International Dictionary
Retort \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.]
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To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated.
--Southey. -
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. -
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.
Wiktionary
vb. (present participle of retort English)
Usage examples of "retorting".
After retorting the basest reproaches on the thief and rebel of the desert, the Ottoman recapitulates his boasted victories in Iran, Touran, and the Indies.