SEN'TENCE, n. from L. sententia, from sentio, to think.

1. In law, a judgement pronounced by a court or judge upon a criminal a jdicial decision publicly and officially declared in a criminal prosecution. In technical language, sentence is used only for the declaration of judgement against the convicted of a crime. In cases, the decision of the court is called a judgement. In criminal cases, sentence is a judgement pronounced doom.
2. In language not technical, a determination or decision given, particularly a decision that condemns, ar an unfavorable determination.

Let him be sent out lome of Luther's works, that by them we may pass sentence upon his doctrines. Atterbury.

3. An opinion judgement concerning a controverted point.
4. A maxim an axiom a short saying containing moral instruction.
5. Vindication of one's innocence.
6. In grammar, a period a number of words containing a complete sense or sentiment, and followed by a full pause. Sentences are simple or compound. A simple sentence consists of one subject and one finite verb as, "the Lord reigns." A compound sentence two or more subjects and finite verbs, as in this verse,

He fills, he bounds, connects and equals all. Pope.