from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rot \Rot\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Rotted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Rotting}.] [OE. rotien, AS. rotian; akin to D. rotten, Prov.
G. rotten, OHG. rozz?n, G. r["o]sten to steep flax, Icel.
rotna to rot, Sw. ruttna, Dan. raadne, Icel. rottin rotten.
[root]117. Cf. {Ret}, {Rotten}.]
1. To undergo a process common to organic substances by which
they lose the cohesion of their parts and pass through
certain chemical changes, giving off usually in some
stages of the process more or less offensive odors; to
become decomposed by a natural process; to putrefy; to
decay.
[1913 Webster]
Fixed like a plant on his peculiar spot,
To draw nutrition, propagate, and rot. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
2. Figuratively: To perish slowly; to decay; to die; to
become corrupt.
[1913 Webster]
Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
Rot, poor bachelor, in your club. --Thackeray.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To putrefy; corrupt; decay; spoil.
[1913 Webster]