retort

v. i. To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Retort, v. t. ] 1. The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response. [ 1913 Webster ]

This is called the retort courteous. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. [ F. retorte (cf. Sp. retorta), fr. L. retortus, p. p. of retorquere. So named from its bent shape. See Retort, v. t. ] (Chem. & the Arts) A vessel in which substances are subjected to distillation or decomposition by heat. It is made of different forms and materials for different uses, as a bulb of glass with a curved beak to enter a receiver for general chemical operations, or a cylinder or semicylinder of cast iron for the manufacture of gas in gas works. [ 1913 Webster ]

Tubulated retort (Chem.), a retort having a tubulure for the introduction or removal of the substances which are to be acted upon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Repartee; answer. -- Retort, Repartee. A retort is a short and pointed reply, turning back on an assailant the arguments, censure, or derision he had thrown out. A repartee is usually a good-natured return to some witty or sportive remark. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who retorts. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. rétorsion. See Retort, v. t. ] 1. Act of retorting or throwing back; reflection or turning back. [ Written also retorsion. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

It was, however, necessary to possess some single term expressive of this intellectual retortion. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) Retaliation. Wharton. [ 1913 Webster ]