from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.]
1. To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
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With retorted head, pruned themselves as they
floated. --Southey.
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2. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
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As when his virtues, shining upon others,
Heat them and they retort that heat again
To the first giver. --Shak.
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3. To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or
incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
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And with retorted scorn his back he turned.
--Milton.
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