Definition of: settle

(set′l) v. ·tled, ·tling v.t.
1. To put in order; set to rights; to settle affairs.
2. To put firmly in place; establish or fix permanently or as if permanently: He settled himself on the couch.
3. To free of agitation or disturbance; calm; quiet: to settle one's nerves.
4. To cause (sediment or dregs) to sink to the bottom.
5. To cause to subside or come to rest; make firm or compact: to settle dust or ashes.
6. To make clear or transparent, as by causing sediment or dregs to sink.
7. Colloq. To make quiet or orderly: One blow settled him.
8. To decide or determine finally, as an argument or difference.
9. To pay, as a debt; satisfy, as a claim.
10. To establish residents or residence in (a country, town, etc.).
11. To establish as residents.
12. To establish in a permanent occupation, home, etc.
13. To decide (a suit at law) by agreement between the litigants.
14. Law To make over or assign (property) by legal act: with on or upon.
—v.i.
15. To come to rest, as after moving about or flying.
16. To sink gradually; subside.
17. To sink or come to rest, as dust or sediment.
18. To become more firm or compact.
19. To become clear or transparent, as by the sinking of sediment.
20. To take up residence; establish one's abode or home.
21. To come to a decision; determine; resolve: with on, upon, or with.
22. To pay a bill, etc.
—to settle down
1. To start living a regular, orderly life, especially after a period of wandering or irresponsibility.
2. To apply steady effort or attention.
—noun
1. A long seat or bench, generally of wood, with a high back, originally to direct the draft up the chimney and to provide a warm nook: often with arms and sometimes having a chest from seat to floor.
2. A wide step; platform.
3. Obs. A ledge. [OE setlan <setl a seat] Synonyms (verb): adjust, allay, arrange, calm, compose, decide, determine, establish, finish, fix, pay, quiet, regulate. Compare CONFIRM, PAY¹, RATIFY, REQUITE, SET. Antonyms: agitate, confuse, derange, disarrange, discompose, disorder, disturb, fluster, flutter, mix, muss.